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Ideas & Action Blog: Poverty and Political Participation: Overcoming the Registration Barrier

• millions of low-income persons can be brought into the political process by making voter registration more accessible.
  
  

Blog Action Day: Make a difference for poverty regions of the U.S. this Election Day

This upcoming November 4th, 2008, a Tuesday, voters from all across the country will cast their ballots at the polling places for their favorite candidates. Even though we Americans have liked to think we have the best democracy in the world, there will be many problems experienced that day in some areas, such as voter disenfranchisement, poor resources and training of poll workers, and poor management of ballots. However, there are things we all can do to help.

We all know that the present political system in the USA is dominated by only two parties: the Democrats and the Republicans. In this winner-take-all electoral system, the battle between the two party nominees become increasingly heated as General Election Day nears. Big money ad campaigns from independent groups have at times been devastating so close to Nov. 4th. In particular, the Republican Party's activists have misled potential voters in poverty-stricken areas, and both parties' members and non-members alike have vandalized and stolen campaign signs. It is clear that a non-partisan election head official for each state- the Secretary of State- should preside during this time and election day. Let us tell our state representatives we need Secretaries of State not endorsed by any political party.

This year, we all will experience a large increase in voter turnout when compared to previous General Election Days. Polling stations, particularly some in low income regions, experience long lines of voters and sometimes poorly-trained poll workers, due to a lack of necessary resources in money and manpower. There is still time, however, to become a trained poll worker and get paid for your busy day on Nov. 4th- please visit Pollworkers for Democracy for instructions on how you can help.

On recent General Election Days, we have seen mismanagement of filled voter ballots in some states- particularly in 'swing' states where the vote between the two leading candidates was very close. The movement of the ballots to county headquarters had human errors. The conduct of actually counting the ballots lacked training and oversight. You can, however, help by volunteering to count the ballots or be a poll watcher. Election Defense Alliance (ballot-counting) and your local elections office (poll watching) can describe these duties and show how you can participate.

Low-income and poverty-stricken regions have experienced these and more problems and challenges in recent elections. It is all Americans', and especially civic-minded Secretaries of State and political party members' duty to see that fairness in allocation of resources and trained poll workers is experienced in all regions of the country. With the help of poll workers and volunteers this upcoming General Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, we can enjoy a more productive and pleasant voting experience for low-income citizens and everyone involved.


>All Things Reform Mobile: allthingsreform.mofuse.mobi >Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 (not toll-free) >US House/Senate Mobile: bit.ly/members >Contact your reps tips: bit.ly/dear >Shortened All Things Reform URL: bit.ly/dw

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• Act on your legal rights as voters with the Voting Rights Enforcement Project
• Free 2008 Voter's Self Defense Manuals from Project Vote Smart

Support National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week, Sep. 21-27, 2008

Image by Getty Images via Daylife Government reform orgs. deliver news on major events within their areas of expertise.
From: National Alliance to End Homelessness

September 21-27, 2008 is National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week

Another important election year is approaching and we hope you will join us in ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, and the National Low Income Housing Coalition are honored to invite your organization to participate in National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week on September 21-27, 2008 by hosting a voter registration drive or promoting voter education and participation.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and the National Low Income Housing Coalition hosted a National Audio Conference to discuss plans for this week. Listen to a recording of the call.

Also, the National Coalition for the Homeless has made available “You Don’t Need A Home To Vote, a toolkit on conducting voter registration, education and mobilization.

Information on National Homeless and Low-Income Voter Registration Week
Since equal access to the right to vote is a crucial part of maintaining a true democracy, nonprofits and service agencies nationwide will dedicate the week towards registering homeless and low-income individuals to vote. For those unable to conduct voter registration drives, the week can also be used to educate community members on the upcoming general election.

As another organization dedicated to homeless empowerment and economic justice, we hope you will join us in this effort. With your support, we are confident we can reach more individuals not yet registered to vote.


>All Things Reform Mobile: allthingsreform.mofuse.mobi >Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 (not toll-free) >US House/Senate Mobile: bit.ly/members >Contact your reps tips: bit.ly/dear >Shortened All Things Reform URL: bit.ly/dw