Friday, October 31, 2008

Voter Checklist


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From: The Reform Institute

Presented by the Reform Institute
Be Informed and Prepared for Election Day – Tuesday, November 4, 2008


Know where your polling place is in advance
o Find out in advance by contacting your local elections office, by checking your voter registration card, or by calling 877-GOCNN-08 (877-462-6608) toll-free and using the hotline’s automated polling place locator. Voting at the correct polling place is important to ensuring that your vote is counted.

Confirm your voter registration before heading to the polls
o Check your most recent voter registration card to confirm the information is current and correct. If in doubt, contact your local elections board to confirm that you are registered to vote. Most state elections authorities provide websites where voters can check their registration status or get contact info for doing so. You can also connect to your local elections office through the 877-GO-CNN-08 hotline.

Know your ballot in advance
o Knowing the candidates and any initiatives on the ballot will speed the voting process. Many local newspapers will have a voter guide, and most state or local elections offices provide at least a sample ballot, and sometimes even biographies or statements of candidates and information on ballot initiatives – check their website to see what your local office provides. Many non-profit organizations such as the League of Women Voters also provide non-partisan voter guides.

Bring identification with you where necessary
o Several states now require voters to present ID when they vote, and all states require most first time voters who register by mail to provide identification. ID requirements vary by state. A governmentsponsored photo ID with your address is best if you have one, though most states accept various forms of identification. Contact your state or local elections board to learn your state’s ID requirements, if any. Information on state ID requirements can also be retrieved from the National Conference of State Legislatures at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/legismgt/elect/taskfc/voteridreq.htm.

Try voting during non-peak hours or consider alternative means of voting
o The longest lines and wait times at the polls traditionally occur before and after work and during lunch time. Voting at other times will ease congestion during peak hours and reduce wait times. Some states allow early voting or in person absentee voting before Election Day. Contact your local elections office to determine when polls are open and if you qualify to vote absentee or if early voting is possible.

Ask to vote a provisional ballot if you are not allowed to vote a regular ballot
o If you arrive at the polling place where you believe you are registered and your name is not on the voter rolls, you can always vote a provisional ballot, which allows you to cast a ballot while you are there, and allows elections officials to set it aside to determine after Election Day if it should be counted. The officials should provide you with information on how to determine if your vote is counted.

Have the 877-GO-CNN-08 number handy
o Call 877-GO-CNN-08 (877-462-6608) to report any problems at the polls.
Many state and local elections offices have websites that provide voters with important information such as polling place location and hours and voter registration status. Resources such as contact info and links for state and local elections boards, state voter ID requirements, and polling place hours can also be obtained from the National Association of Secretaries of State at http://www.canivote.org.

The Reform Institute (www.reforminstitute.org), a non-partisan public policy organization, is a proud partner in presenting the toll-free 877-GO-CNN-08 national voter assistance hotline. InfoVoter Technologies, Inc. is the technology provider. The hotline is active now through November 4.


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