Beware of PROVISIONAL BALLOTS - 866-OUR-VOTE

[sandersadu]

This is a public service announcement for DU. Please spread far and wide.

Most important, if there are any questions, problems on election day about any voting rights issue (challenges, voter intimidation, name not on rolls, etc). call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. This is non-partisan election protection program.

Second, I'm a lawyer who just got training to work in the call centers on election day. Bottom line, be wary of provisional ballots. They often aren't counted, every state has different rules, but at least 30 STATES WILL THROW OUT THE PROVISIONAL BALLOT IF YOU VOTE IN THE WRONG PRECINCT, and there are several unresolved court challenges that can go either way. If poll workers try to challenge you don't just automatically take the Provisional ballot, call 866-OUR-VOTE, or go to your County Registrar of Voters or City Hall.

Lesson: Lots of provisional ballots won't count. Fight for a "regular ballot" Tell all your friends and family, and even strangers.

[whistle]

1. Provisional votes can only happen on election day and must be

...clearly identified.

[Ann Arbor Dem]

2. Everyone should find out how HAVA has been interpreted in....

his/her state and spread the word.

In Michigan, you can find up-to-date information about voting and provisional ballets on the state website (http://www.michigan.gov/sos). You can also verify that you are registered and where your polling place is in Michigan at www.publius.org.

[mtnester]

3. Many of you in Ohio can go outside the poll and speak with

a poll watcher, who can help you find your precinct, as well as having the phone number of lawyers such as the original poster, in a cell phone to contact, if needed. All of Franklin County, Ohio, and I believe most of the larger counties such as in the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Youngstown, Akron and Canton area.

All also trained by Election Protection.

[sandersadu]

4. Election Protection

Election Protection is a great resource. Kick!