Published: October 30, 2008
Guide for Navigating the Polls
Checklist Helps Prepare and Inform Voters for Election Day
WASHINGTON, DC - The Reform Institute, a non-partisan public policy organization, today released a checklist to assist voters in casting their ballots. The checklist provides helpful tips for voters, especially those going to the polls for the first time, to facilitate a voting process free of complications.
"Election officials predict record voter turnout on November 4, including a substantial number of new voters," stated Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. "With the high level of interest in this election and so many first time voters getting involved, it is essential that the voting goes as smoothly as possible. The checklist, along with the 877-GO-CNN-08 voter hotline, can be a vital resource to voters as they prepare to go to the polls."
The checklist is available at http://www.reforminstitute.org. The checklist provides straightforward and valuable advice for voters, including:
* Know where your polling place is in advance
* Confirm your voter registration before heading to the polls
* Know your ballot in advance * Bring identification with you where necessary
* Try voting during non-peak hours or consider alternative means of voting
* Ask to vote a provisional ballot if you are not allowed to vote a regular ballot
* Have the 877-GO-CNN-08 number handy.
"Informing voters will empower them to head to the polls with confidence and help ensure that their voices are heard in this critical election," added Ms. Martinez. Voter assistance hotlines in recent elections have demonstrated that the lack of basic information is the greatest barrier to voting. The overwhelming majority of calls are from voters seeking to ascertain their polling location or to inquire as to their registration status.
Voters calling 877-GO-CNN-08 (877-462-6608) can find where to vote using the automated polling place locator. The hotline can also transfer callers to their local elections offices to ask questions such as confirming registration status.
Getting the proper information before Election Day will be beneficial because elections authorities will be swamped on November 4. Voters in most cases can also obtain information such as polling place location and hours and registration status by visiting the website of their state or local elections board.
Callers to the toll-free hotline can also record messages reporting problems at the polls. Real-time updates on voting problems based on calls to the hotline will be available throughout Election Day at http://www.reforminstitute.org.
The 877-GOCNN08 national hotline is now active and will remain so through November 4. The hotline also has Spanish language capabilities.
The Reform Institute has been a leader in advancing reforms that promote open and fair elections and enhance transparency and accountability in the political process. To arrange to speak with Reform Institute experts, please contact Chris Dreibelbis at 703-535-6897 x 12 or via email at chris@reforminstitute.org.
The Reform Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit educational organization working to strengthen the foundations of our democracy and build a resilient society. The Institute formulates and advocates valuable, solutions-based reform in vital areas of public policy, including homeland and national security, energy and environmental progress, economic opportunity and competitiveness, immigration policy, and governance and election reform. Visit our website at
www.reforminstitute.org.
Voter Checklist Presented by the Reform Institute
Be Informed and Prepared for Election Day - Tuesday, November 4, 2008
* Know where your polling place is in advance
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
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
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
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 government-sponsored 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
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
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
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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