If Turned Away from Voting in USA
Early voting is in full swing in many USA states. Election Day is coming up soon.
What if you are told by a poll worker that you can’t vote even though you’re registered, or can only vote on a paper ballot which won’t be counted?
Such things happen. On social media there are some reports of it happening now. It is often an innocent mistake, but how can you clear it? What should you as a voter do if this happens to you?
Your vote matters. If somebody at the polls tries to turn you away when you’re entitled to vote, please don’t give up.
Call the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. That’s 1-866-687-8683. (Click that link to see their website, the hours when the phone number is staffed, and access to information about voting in your state which they can provide through their website, WhatsApp, Facebook or text messages.)
The hotline will jump on the problem right away. They’ll know whether what you were told as a reason for why you can’t vote is correct or incorrect. They’ll know whether you should ask for a provisional ballot. If you are entitled to vote, they’ll provide the clout you need to cast your ballot (in some instances, even sending someone to your polling place).
In the event that you can’t call the hotline (maybe you’re voting outside its operating hours) or don’t have the time, you can ask to cast a provisional ballot. That’s supposed to be evaluated when the votes are counted and included in the count if evaluation decides you are entitled to vote. But it’s best to get to cast a regular ballot.
The hotline is priceless for sorting out such glitches. It’s what those volunteers are trained for. Call them if you need them. They’ll help.
I’ll save this on my phone just in case. Thanks!
I voted on the first day of early voting in my state. Before voting I went to my state’s Secretary of State’s website to make sure I was still registered as active. Although my voter registration card is not required in my state, I made sure I had it with me along with my state-issued ID. The line on the first day of voting at my site was long, but the wait was only fifty-five minutes and well worth it. Now it’s done! With so much voter suppression in my state, early voting gives me time to deal with the situation if anyone tries to keep me from voting. As I walked away after casting my ballot, it was a relief to know that if something happens such as an accident or an illness, my vote is already in the system.