Monday, November 3, 2008

Vote it up!

Know Your Rights!

For those of you who remember the 2000 presidential election and the fiasco that happened in Florida, then you understand the importance of knowing your voter rights! We can't afford to pay for the Republicans' mistakes for another four years. Get yourself educated about your voting rights and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are informed as well. We must make sure that every registered Democrat votes and that EVERY VOTE IS COUNTED! For your information, we've provided your Voter Bill of Rights below.

Absentee Voter Information

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Tuesday October 31.

When voting by mail using an absentee ballot, we recommend that you allow enough time for your ballot to reach your County Registrar's office. Be sure and use the correct amount of postage. Some ballots may require more than 39 cents.

Postmark date does NOT apply to absentee ballots. They MUST be received at your County Elections Office on or before Election Day.

If you do not mail your absentee ballot in time, you can either:

Hand carry your completed absentee ballot to any polling place in your county; or
Relinquish your uncompleted absentee ballot at your designated polling place, and vote the regular way.
If you have lost your absentee ballot, go to your designated polling place and ask to vote using a provisional ballot.

Voter Bill of Rights

You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter. A valid registered voter means a United States citizen who is a resident in this state, who is at least 18 years of age and not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony, and who is registered to vote at his or her current residence address.

You have the right to cast a ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.

You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in line at the polling place prior to the close of the polls.

You have the right to cast a secret ballot free from intimidation.

You have the right to receive a new ballot, if prior to casting your ballot, you believe you made a mistake. If at any time before you finally cast your ballot, you feel you have made a mistake, you have the right to exchange the spoiled ballot for a new ballot. Absentee voters may also request and receive a new ballot if they return their spoiled ballot to an elections official prior to the closing of the polls on the Election Day.

You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot, if you are unable to vote without assistance.

You have the right to return a completed absentee ballot to any precinct in your county.

You have the right to election materials in another language, if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant production.

You have the right to ask questions about election procedures and observe the elections process. You have the right to ask questions of the precinct board and election officials regarding election procedures and to receive an answer or be directed to the appropriate official for an answer. However, if persistent questioning disrupts the execution of their duties, the board of election officials may discontinue responding to questions.

You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent activity to a local elections official or to the Secretary of State’s Office.