Voter Suppression: 60 Days and Counting Mobilize! Mobilize! Mobilize!
by Kathy Grear 09/06/2014
Educate, organize and mobilize: We’re now in the mobilization phase of our campaign to defeat voter suppression. Therefore, as we count down to November 4, 2014, I will provide actionable information and deadlines for our readers. Two important issues that voters need to decide immediately are that they’re going to help defeat voter suppression by voting and by helping to get others to do the same. Recently the Wilmington Star News recommended the following action items for individuals that desire to help voters overcome barriers that have been implemented that make it harder for people of color and others to vote in the United States.
• Use voter registration drives to educate new and current voters about the law. Publicize the requirement in the communities most likely to be affected – low-income neighborhoods, senior citizen communities, and colleges and universities – and help voters register and obtain the appropriate photo identification, even if it means creating long lines in government offices.
• Raise money to help voters born out of state obtain documents, such as a birth certificate, needed to get a photo ID in time for the 2016 election in North Carolina. While the law provides for a free certified copy for voters born in North Carolina, the same does not apply to residents born elsewhere.
• Provide transportation for early voting and on Election Day, and enlist churches and other civic organizations to do the same. Help make sure voters get to their correct precincts. The law no longer counts the votes of people who go to the wrong precinct by mistake – a considerable possibility when election boards change precinct lines or move polling places.
• On Election Day and during the condensed early-voting period already in effect, document how long it takes for people to vote. When Florida cut early-voting hours, it created long lines at the polls and a huge public backlash. Likewise, some election boards in North Carolina have made changes that result in reduced parking or longer drives to the precincts, measures that can discourage voters.
• Encourage some people to vote by absentee ballot, where they will not have to supply a photo ID. All that is required to request one is a document, such as a utility bill or bank statement, showing the voter’s name and address. When the ballot is returned, the person will also need the signature of two witnesses.
• Work with political parties to have observers at all precincts. Document incidences of eligible voters being turned away, or intimidation by poll observers, who will be allowed to wander freely and challenge any voter.
GENERAL ELECTION SCHEDULE
Friday, September 5, 2014
• Absentee Voting by Mail Begins
Friday, October 10, 2014
• Voter registration deadline
Thursday, October 23, 2014
• One-Stop early voting begins
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
• Last day to request absentee ballots by mail
Saturday, November 1, 2014 (1:00 p.m.)
• One-Stop early voting ends
Tuesday, November 4, 2014 (5:00 p.m.)
• Last day to return an Absentee Ballot by Mail
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
• General Election Day
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Peter Grear, Esq. writes for Greater Diversity News with a primary focus on voter suppression. To join the campaign to defeat voter suppression please “Like” and follow us at www.facebook.com/votersuppression, “Share” our articles, and your ideas and comments on Facebook or at our website www.GreaterDiversity.com. Also, to promote the campaign to defeat voter suppression, please ask all of your Facebook “Friends” to follow the above-referenced recommendations. Additionally, please follow us on Twitter at @yourrighttovote: (https://twitter.com/yourrighttovote)
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