Voters’ rights cards being distributed; hotline help available on Election Day

RICHMOND , VA – Anticipating a record voter turnout in November, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP have established hotlines for voters who run into problems before and on Election Day, and are distributing informational cards describing voters’ rights.
Voter Empowerment Cards
Available free in small or large numbers to civic groups, non-profit organizations, individuals and to political campaigns, regardless of affiliation, the Virginia Voter Empowerment cards are pocket-sized, accordion-fold cards intended to help voters overcome obstacles they may encounter on Election Day. (Order cards by calling 804/644-8080 or sending an email to acluva[at]acluva.org. Cards may be viewed on the ACLU of Virginia website at www.acluva.org/pages/2008elections.html.)
The card answers more than 30 questions about voting, letting voters know what to do if, for example:

-- they are told they are not on the registration rolls -- they have lost or do not have identification -- they make a mistake while completing the ballot -- their vote is challenged by someone else -- they are told they cannot vote because of a political message on a t-shirt or button -- they cannot physically access the polling place

Election Day (and before) Hotline
Voters may contact someone at the NAACP or the ACLU of Virginia on Election Day or before if they feel they are being illegally denied the right to vote or have a question about a problem they have encountered. The NAACP hotline number is 804/321-5678. The ACLU number is 804/644-8080.
Media Interviews on Voters’ Rights
Representatives of the ACLU and the NAACP are available for media interviews before and on Election Day to discuss voters’ rights.

CONTACTS

 

Kent Willis, Executive Director ACLU of Virginia 804-644-8022

 

King Salim Khalfani, Executive Director Virginia State Conference NAACP 804-321-5678