Voter Empowerment - What Would you do if you Were Turned Away?

I've been seeing report after report online where voters are getting turned away from polling places or receiving mysterious letters saying they aren't eligible to vote. This kind of stuff is really starting to freak me out. My worst fear is showing up at my polling place next week and being told, "Sorry, you can't vote." I did a little digging and found a Voter Empowerment Card put together by the ACLU.

Here are your rights as a California voter:

PROBLEMS AT THE POLLS

What if I go to the wrong polling place?
Go to the right polling place. You can ask a poll worker to help you find the polling place where you’re registered, or you can call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for assistance. If you can’t figure out where you’re registered, go to the polling place that you think is most likely to be the right one, and if you’re not on the registration rolls at that polling place, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if you’re not at the right polling place.

What if someone challenges my right to vote?
A poll worker will ask you some questions and rule on the challenge. Cal. Elec. Code §§14243-14247.

What if someone tries to intimidate or harass me?
Tell a poll worker right away. If the poll worker is the problem, tell a poll watcher, call your county elections office, call one of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this card, or make a complaint online at http://www.votingrights.org/.

What if I’m not on the voter list?
First, ask a pollworker to check the list again and to confirm that you’re at the right polling place. If you’re at the right polling place but your name isn’t on the voter list, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if your name isn’t on the voter list, as long as you’re willing to swear that you believe you’re registered to vote. Cal. Elec. Code §14310.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot or the voting machine malfunctions?
Tell a poll worker before you cast your vote. If you spoil a paper ballot, you have the right to up to two replacement ballots as long as you catch your mistake before you cast your ballot. If your voting machine malfunctions, you can request a different machine. Cal. Elec. Code §14288.

How do I make a complaint?
First, ask for an election supervisor at your polling place. He or she can handle most routine complaints that arise on Election Day. Candidates, political parties, and nonprofit groups may also have poll watchers at your polling place who might be able to assist you. In the alternative, you can call 1-866-OURVOTE to report any problems you encountered. If any of those people ask you who you voted for, or if they can’t resolve your complaint, call your county elections office or the California Secretary of State.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING PROBLEMS

• Check your voter registration status at least 15 days before the election.


• Vote before Election Day, using a vote-by-mail ballot.


• If you plan to vote at the polls, locate your polling place at least 15 days before the election.


• Vote early in the day to avoid the last-minute rush.


• Bring some form of identification even if it’s not required.


• Read all instructions carefully.


• Ask for help if you need it.


• Take your time. You have up to ten minutes to complete your ballot.

What ever your political leanings, everyone should go vote and no one should be turned away!

~ Nicole