Voter’s Guide and Checklist for Federal Elections

Article Index
Voter’s Guide and Checklist for Federal Elections
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
All Pages

To have a choice and the right to voice our opinion is a privilege. On November 4, 2008, we will have the opportunity to elect our nation’s next president, our congressional and state legislative representatives and to decide on twelve statewide propositions.

With this in mind, the US Election Assistance Commission (EAC), an independent bipartisan committee in charge of election administration has developed a guide to help voters in the election process. The voter’s guide is available in seven languages and gives pertinent information from registering, voting and casting a ballot on Election Day. It also includes information on eligibility, early and absentee voting, registration and voting process for military and civilians abroad and other polling place services.

“This guide is a one-stop resource for all types of voters, from first-time voters to frequent voters. It also includes step-by-step instructions for distinct categories of voters, such as military and overseas voters, who must follow special procedures. Citizens will also learn of new voting options that more states are offering, such as early voting and absentee voting. Voters need to know about all voting options, and this guide shows them how to take advantage of them.” said EAC Chair Rosemary Rodriguez.

Eligibility to Vote

Voters must be 18 years of age and a US Citizen. It is important to note that voting procedures vary from state-to-state. Voters need to review their state’s materials. The requirements are outlined in the “State Instructions” section of the National Mail Voter Registration Form. Links to all state voter information web sites are available online at www.eac.gov and may also be provided by the state and local election offices.

How to Register

Complete and submit a National Mail Voter Registration Form which can be downloaded on the EAC’s website or the websites of other state and local election offices. You may also obtain a form from any state or local election offices, DMV, public assistance agencies, state funded programs for people with disabilities and any public facility designated as a voter registration agency such as public schools, library or county clerk’s office. This form may also be used to report a name, address change or to register with a political party.

Another option to register is by using your State’s Voter Registration Form.

Military Service Members And Overseas Citizens

Members of the military and overseas citizens may use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) available from the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website: www.fvap.gov. The FPCA is accepted in all states and territories and serves both as a registration and an absentee ballot. Printed copies are also available at US embassies, military bases and consular offices. There will be Voting Assistance Officers at those sites that will provide information and help needed to complete the form. For further inquiry you may call FVAP at (800) 438-8683 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

As an alternative, overseas voters may also send a signed written request for an absentee ballot to their local election office.

First Time Voters / Registering By Mail

First time voters submitting a voter registration form through mail are required by Federal law to show proof of identification. Along with your voter registration form, you are to submit a copy of your current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or any government document that shows your name and address.

Federal law does not require proof of identification at the polling place or when voting by mail if you have already provided a copy of your identification with your voter registration form, your voter registration form has been verified by an election official or you are entitled by Federal law to vote by absentee ballot.

* Note that individual states may have additional identification proofs and may require voters to present identification at the polling place even if they meet the Federal proof of identification requirement. Contact your election office for additional information.

When to register

Each state has its own deadline. To ensure voting eligibility, register by your state’s deadline. For further information, check the “State Instructions” online or contact your state or local election office.

*Contact your state or local election office at least 5 weeks before the election to learn if you are registered to vote and what to do if not.

Absentee Voting

Voters who cannot go to their polling place on Election Day can vote an absentee ballot. Each state has its own rules and procedures for absentee voting. Some states requires voters to state a reason while others do not. They also have different deadlines for absentee ballots. Contact your state or local election if you need to vote absentee so as not to miss the deadline.

*Upon receipt of the absentee ballot, read instructions carefully to avoid error. If you return it by mail, make sure to have the correct postage amount to prevent any delay in the delivery.

Early Voting

Early voters can cast their vote by mail or in person at a local election official’s office before the Election Day. Some states allow early voters but the dates and time varies. Contact your state election office for further information.

Where is my polling place?

Polling place is based on the address provided by the voter when they registered to vote. To find out your location, contact your local election office.

*Always update your voter registration information each time you move.

Provisional Ballot

When a voter’s eligibility to vote is in question (their name does not appear on the list of voters in their polling place), they are offered a provisional ballot. Voter’s have a right to cast a provisional ballot provided they declare they are eligible and is registered to vote in that jurisdiction. It will still be counted if the local election official determines that the voter is indeed eligible to vote under state law.

*States are required by the Federal law to provide a “free access system” that allows voters to check the status of their provisional ballots. Contact your election office for more information about your state’s system.

How to be a poll worker

Poll workers ensure accurate elections and prepare the precinct by setting up voting equipments, verifying registrations and providing voters with appropriate ballots. They also close the precinct and prepare election materials for delivery to the elections office.

They must be registered to vote in the precinct or county they wish to serve. Some states allow college students to work at the polls near their school even if they are not registered to vote in that jurisdiction. Contact your local election office for more information.

Accessibility for voters with disabilities

Polling places are equipped to accommodate voters with disabilities by providing clearly marked parking spaces, accessible entrances and ramps and marked routes to voting locations. Voters with disabilities are also given the same opportunity for access, participation, privacy and independence. Contact your local election office for more details.

Language assistance

Voters with limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English may be provided with language assistance in polling places. These efforts may be voluntary or required by Federal law. It includes voting materials like ballots and instructions in other languages, staffing bilingual poll workers and providing voting information online in other languages. Contact your local election office for more information.

*EAC’s website provides information for voters in six languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Request of assistance to vote

Voters that require assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability or inability to read or write may bring a friend or a relative to assist them. A poll worker may also provide assistance when necessary. Provisions governing such assistance may vary therefore check your state or local elections office for details.

Voting equipment assistance

Voters may ask help from poll workers if they need assistance with voting equipment. They are there to provide voters with instructions and demonstrations in using voting machines.

*Federal law prohibits voters receiving assistance from their employer, officer or agent of the voter’s union.

How to report a problem or complaint

Voters may file a complaint if they experience a problem at a polling place. For more information on complaint procedures, contact your local elections office.

Voters’ checklist

Confirm you are registered to vote. Update your registration if information such as name, address or political affiliation has changed.

Know how and when to apply for an absentee ballot if you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day.

Know your options for early voting

Know the voter identification requirements in your state before you attempt to vote.

Familiarize yourself with the voting device used in your jurisdiction. Learn how the device is accessible to voters with disabilities.

Know which polling place you are assigned to and how to get there.

Learn what assistance is available in languages other than English.

Know what time the polls open and close.

Become acquainted with the candidates and issues on the ballot.

Consider becoming a poll worker in your community. Call your local election office to learn more about the requirements.

We’re coming to the close of the longest and most costly presidential election in our history. Whoever wins, this race will be historic. The fate of our nation depends on this election. Take your civic responsibility seriously and let your voice be heard…VOTE! (www.asianjournal.com)

(Published October 31, 2008 p.sf4 NC)

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites