The Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE)
The Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE) is a national non-partisan, non-profit organization, founded and run by students, with a mission to increase youth voter turnout by removing access barriers and promoting stronger civic education.
Check out their Web site at http://www.savevoting.org/SpeakOut.html
VOTER PROTECTION is any activity that aims to make sure that all voters have a fair and free opportunity to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. (AFL-CIO)
***PLEASE NOTE: These guidelines are general. For more information go to your local newspaper or call your local television station about election day hours and requirements. You can also contact your state board of elections or visit The League of Women Voters Web site at http://www.vote411.org/bystate.php for specific voter or poll information for EVERY CITY and STATE.***
Election Day is November 4, 2008
In most states, polls open between 6a.m. and 8a.m. and close between 6p.m. and 9p.m. Call your local election office for the exact hours.
VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE- If you have any PROBLEMS or QUESTIONS
Call 1(866)OUR-VOTE(687-8683) or 1(888) 839-8682 para la ayuda en español. You can also send E-MAILS to protectmyvote@yahoo.com
What to Bring to the Polls on Election Day
IDENTIFICATION
Bring photo ID, such as a driver’s license, student ID card, passport, Military ID, etc., and something that shows your address, like a utility bill. Voters who don’t have an ID may vote a provisional ballot, which is a ballot used to record a vote when there is some question in regards to a given voter's eligibility.
Bring materials to help pass time as you wait in line LINES COULD BE LONG!. Newspapers, books, magazines, MP3 players (with headphones), hand-held games, etc. are things that can occupy your time as you wait in line.
Bring a snack. Some facilities may allow snacks and/or bottled water. If your particular voting facility doesn’t allow snacks or drinks, it can easily be discarded.
*F.Y.I. If you are already in line when the polls close, remain in line. You are allowed to vote once you are in the line before the polls close.
What NOT to Bring
CAMPAIGN ATTIRE
DON’T WEAR ANY CAMPAIGN APPAREL TO THE POLLS ON THE DAY OF THE ELECTION. Some states have strict laws against voters wearing campaign apparel to the voting polls (within 100 ft). In order to avoid being turned away or asked to change your clothing, don’t wear campaign clothing.
Things TO DO (AND NOT TO DO) Once You are There…
GET IN LINE TO CHECK IN
You will go to the appropriate line based on the first letter of your last name. You will then receive a ballot, a pen or pencil (depending on your states requirements, and secrecy sleeve from a poll worker.
PROPERLY MARK YOUR BALLOT
Completely fill in (bubble in) the oval. DO NOT mark the oval with an “X” or a mark. DO NOT use red ink. DO NOT initial your ballot or make any identifying marks.
Review the ballot. If you vote for more than the choices allowed on a contest, your vote on that contest, by law, cannot be counted.
If you make a mistake, ASK FOR A REPLACEMENT BALLOT . DO NOT attempt to correct it!
FINISHING UP
Once you have completed your ballot, place it into the secrecy sleeve. Then hand your ballot, in the secrecy sleeve, to the poll worker.
*What if I Have to Use the e-Slate Voting Machine?
Things TO DO when using the e-Slate Voting Machine
VIEW VOTING MACHINE DEMONSRATION
When you come into the polling place the first thing you will do is receive a demonstration on how to vote on the new e-Slate Voting Machine.
HEAD TO THE REGISTRAR’S TABLE TO VOTE
You will go to the appropriate registrar based on the first letter of your last name.
Give your application to vote with valid picture identification to the next awaiting election inspector who will verify your name and address in the poll book and have you complete an application for a ballot.
On your application you will indicate which election you wish to vote in (if more than one is being held).
RECEIVE VOTER ACCESS CODE FROM BALLOT CLERK
After applying to vote at the registrar’s table, you will then proceed to the ballot clerk.
The ballot clerk will issue you a randomly printed 4-digit access code number which you will use to pull up your correct ballot on the e-Slate voting machine.
VOTE ON THE e-SLATE
Once you receive your access code number from the ballot clerk, you will then go to an empty voting booth and cast your ballot on the e-Slate.
At any time during this process, you may request that an election official assist you in voting. If you request assistance, both the Democratic and Republican judge must accompany each other in giving you assistance.
Once you have made your choices, then reviewed and verified those choices, you then press “Cast Ballot” to finish voting.
If You Experience Problems Voting on Election Day…
WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS
Ask to speak with the chairperson on site at the precinct. Discuss the problem with the chairperson. If the chairperson is unable to resolve the problem, he/she will contact the city clerk’s office.
OR Call 1(866)OUR-VOTE(687-8683) or 1(888) 839-8682 para la ayuda en español. You can also send E-MAILS to protectmyvote@yahoo.com
PROBLEMS VOTERS MAY EXPERIENCE
Voter is in the wrong voting precinct. Call the city clerk office for your correct voting location or check the internet to locate the correct voting facility.
You are not registered to vote. You may request a Voter Registration Application from the election inspector. Complete it on site and return it to the election inspector or the city clerk’s office. BUT, you will not be able to vote in the current election!
You may have moved to another neighborhood or out of the community. Depending on when you moved, you may still be able to vote in your previous voting location. You will, however, need to complete a change of address form with the election inspector on site, the city clerk and/or the secretary of state office.
You require assistance to vote your ballot. Election inspectors from both political parties are available in the precinct to assist you in voting your ballot. Ask the chairperson for assistance and he/she will assign two election inspectors to help you.
AND REMEMBER…If you are in line to vote when the polls close, you can still vote! To avoid long lines, vote between 10 am and 5 pm if you can..
What are My Rights as a Voter?
Equal treatment and opportunity to register and vote, regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex or disability.
Privacy - only you should know how you voted.>/li>
Having your vote accurately counted and recorded.
If you have a disability, access to a voting device you can use, along with appropriate assistance.
Help in voting from poll workers IF you ask for it.
Courtesy and respect from poll workers, election officials and all others at the polling place.
Thousands of American’s are not yet registered to vote in this critical 2008 election. In order to achieve progressive change in our country we must vote. Voting allows us the opportunity to get our voices heard. By electing a candidate who represents our needs and wants, and tackles the issues that affect our day-to-day lives, we hold indirect power in the political process.
The election may hinge on the outcome of several pivotal states. To learn more about how to register to vote in these key swing states we have provided important links to assist you.
In order to vote in the 2008 presidential election you must first be REGISTRED TO VOTE! Below you will find links with important dates, forms, and other information needed to make the voter registration process easier.
*DEADLINES for listed states (unless specified as otherwise)
The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 6, 2008.
Applications for an Absentee Ballot by mail must be in the Voter Registration office by Tuesday, October 28, 2008.
The last day for In-person absentee voting is Saturday, November 1, 2008.
The 2008 presidential election marks an exciting and significant moment in history. Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 have a chance to have their voices heard by voting and becoming proactive in the election. This year’s election relies heavily on the voice of young Americans to assist in this time of change. In previous years, young Americans voting rights have been challenged. Students were denied the right to vote due to improper form of identification, which prevented Americans from voting or registering to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was designed to eliminate the right of states to enforce restrictions on who was entitled to vote in the elections. Young Americans have the opportunity to contribute to history by voting on November 4, 2008. Should you have any problems voting during election day call theVoter Protection Hotline: 1 866-OUR- VOTE (687-8683)
Tips to Help Make Your Vote Count
DO o Register to vote or verify that you are a registered voter.
o Know your state registration deadlines and voting requirements.
o Research your assigned poll locations. (i.e., college campus, high schools, elementary schools etc.)
o Know your state election day ID requirements.
o Know your voting rights by visiting the provided links below.
Absentee Voting o For students attending college in a state different from the state of residents, request and apply for an absentee ballot.
o The requirements and deadlines for absentee ballots may vary across the United States BE AWARE of the absentee requirements for your state of residence.
o In order to ensure that your vote is confidential and accounted for, seal the ballot and mail it to your local county election board immediately after completing it.
DON'T o Don’t be an unregistered voter.
o Don’t be late. Check the calendar and call your poll location to verify when the polls will be open.
o Don’t be an uneducated voter. Know your candidates and their supporting issues.
o Don’t be discouraged by the time that it takes to cast your vote. Bring reading materials or headphones to help pass the waiting time.
o Don’t forget to cast your vote!
NOTE: Each state board of elections has different requirements and deadlines for the registration process, absentee and provisional ballots. The web sites below provide all the essentials to help ensure all Americans have an equal opportunity to become active in this year’s election.
