BuzzFlash Reader Contribution

October 27, 2004

CONTRIBUTOR ARCHIVES  

Tips to Voters Young and Old

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION

On November 2nd a record number of people will go to the polls to make their selection as to who will lead our nation. We all have a stake in the outcome, and if the past four years are any indication of how the next four years will unfold, the right wing will screw us unmercifully. So put on some comfortable shoes and GO VOTE.

There are reports of the right wing moving polling places at the last minute. To assure you are going to the right place to vote or if you do not know where to go to vote, please call your local election office or the Election Protection hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE (1 866 687 8683) don’t leave anything to chance.

The number one thing to remember is to take your voter registration card with you. If you have not received your voter registration card, take another form of ID and a utility bill. If you have voted before at this location you shouldn't need it, but be prepared. DEMAND a provisional ballot if necessary. You have the right to vote unless proved otherwise.

Try to get to the voting location early in the morning and do not be deterred by long lines. You have a right to vote and there are different laws in different states that guarantee this right. Your employer must allow you the opportunity to vote. For more info on your state call The Election Protection hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE (1 866 687 8683). Remember or write down this number and take it with you to vote. The right wing is planning all kinds of hanky-panky. If you are turned away for any reason, write down the names of the people who have disenfranchised you.

If it makes you comfortable, go to the polls with someone you know. They will make a good witness if the right wing tries anything. Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot take someone into the booth with you.

Voters will encounter a wide variety of voting machines depending on their area. There will be Democratic poll watchers available in most areas to assist you, but here are a few pointers if you feel “all alone”:

• With the so-called DRE or “computer screen” locations, look for a booth with another kind of equipment if possible. Computer voting terminals are BAD NEWS. There is the opportunity for tampering with them at every point in the system. Most of the problems with this system will occur “behind the scenes” where criminals will mess with the program and you have no control.
• If you must use them, look for “jumping votes" This is where you select one candidate and a check appears beside the other candidate. Also make sure your candidate is listed. Some early voters are experiencing these problems. If either of these problems happen to you, call it to the attention of the poll workers. If you still have problems DEMAND your right to vote on another machine.

There are some special precautions with punch cards;

• When you get a punch card feel the back for any dimples and hold it to the light to make sure it is intact and nobody has voted for you. There should be no light showing through. If the light does shows through or any of the punch-outs are loose or dimpled, then DEMAND another card, it is your right.
• In the booth before you put the card into the voting machine, take the puncher and make sure it slides easily into the holes. Select several holes up and down the center of the machine. If it does not slide easily into the holes then the machine is full of chads and needs emptying. If this occurs, DEMAND that the poll worker empty the tray at the bottom of the machine. If they refuse, try another machine or empty it yourself, on the floor if necessary.
• Do not be fooled by “butterfly ballots" Punch only once next to the Kerry block at the end of the arrow, and if you have any doubt at all seek assistance from a Democratic poll assistant.
• If you feel you have made any mistake whatsoever, you are entitled to another ballot.
• When you finish your selections, take the card out and again examine it for “hanging chads” and completely remove them. Feel the back of the card and look for dimples, small holes that go through but do not punch out the square.
• Make sure you see for yourself that your ballot goes into the ballot box.

With optical scanners, most errors are caught when they are accepted into the scanner, with the exception of the “no vote”. Take the time to double check to make sure your selections will be counted. If the scanner does not accept your ballot or you make a mistake, DEMAND another ballot. Experts consider optical scanners the most accurate. Most of the hanky-panky that can occur with optical scanners will happen at the central counting location and are out of your control.

Again, I stress, put on your shoes and go vote on November 2nd. I have voted in every election starting with the 1976 mid term elections and I have never had anything less than a very satisfying experience. My hope is that you will too.

Please distribute freely,

A contributor

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION

Resources:

Election Protection 2004 web site