WHAT WEDNESDAY: VOTING

 Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

This week's question is the following: What do you do about voting?

Do you vote by mail, vote early in person, or vote on election day? Whatever you choose, it's voting that matters, and now, more than ever, it's important to vote

BLUE

I vote by mail. In the past I needed to renew my request for a mail-in ballot every four years, I think. Now I have to request my ballot every year. I always receive an email telling me my ballot has been received.

That email has arrived in my inbox, and, of course, I voted blue.

Although 🟧 disparages voting by mail, he votes by mail. 

Quite a few years ago (before I knew them so it was prior to 2010), Carol and her son, David, went to vote in person on election day. They were told David wasn't allowed to vote. No one could or would tell them why, and they didn't know what to do. 

So Carol voted, and they left. When the next election arrived, David was allowed to vote. 

What would you do if you or a loved one were denied the right to vote?

Here's some information that might be helpful.

Before you head to your polling place, make sure it is your polling place and make sure you're registered to vote. You can verify your registration by using this online tool, or you can call your local election office. If it turns out you aren't registered, all hope is not lost. Some states allow same-day registration.This tool will help you find your state’s online registration application.

Same-day voter laws are here. You can also ask a poll worker at your correct polling location for a same-day registration form. Complete the form and then ask for a “conditional ballot.” A conditional ballot allows election officials to count your vote after verifying your voter eligibility.

The felon has made a big deal out of requiring identification to vote, saying you can't go to a grocery store to buy a loaf of bread without showing an ID, which we all know is another one of his lies, but it is important to have any ID required by your state when you vote in person. This webpage provides info about the 36 states that require ID and what kind of ID they require. It also lists the exceptions to providing ID. 

When you know your polling place and the hours it's open, you know you're registered, and you have your ID ready, here's what to do if you're told you can't vote.

• If you're told the voting machines don't work, then ask for a paper ballot.
• If you're in line when the polls close, don't let election officials turn you away. Stay in line. You have a legal right to vote.
• If you're told you're not a registered voter, ask the election workers to check again and to check the list of supplemental voters. If they still can't find your name, ask them to check if you're at the correct polling place.
• If someone claims you aren't allowed to vote, then ask to cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are available in every state except Idaho and Minnesota.

If you aren't given a provisional ballot, call an election hotline for help. 

English: 866-OUR-VOTE/866-687-8683, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA/888-839-8682, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund

Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE/888-274-8683, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote

Arabic: 844-YALLA-US/844-925-5287, Arab American Institute

If someone tries to frighten you into not voting or tries to get you to vote or not vote for a particular candidate, call one of the hotlines listed above and take down any information you can get, such as the names of poll workers, information about the person intimidating you, and names of witnesses. Later, call the FBI at 800-225-5324.

All of this excellent information comes from an article by attorney Karen Figueroa that was published by Katie Couric Media at https://katiecouric.com/news/politics-and-policy/what-happens-if-your-vote-is-challenged/.

HAPPY VOTING!

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug

This post is my last this week and probably my last until the mid-terms. I'll try to check on your blogs when I have a chance. I'm overwhelmed by stuff that must be done.