Bending the Arc

On September 16, Sister Jean Salchert, CSA attended ACLU’s online event, “Know Your Voting Rights: A Training with Black Voters Matter.” She provided the following notes, summarizing what she learned and wishes to share with others.

The goal of the election safeguarding is to ensure that:

• an eligible voter can vote;
• votes are counted according to law;
• the result is a fair election. 

Elections are administered by each state and the local authorities. The president has NO constitutional authority over elections. Federal voting laws have not changed. Each voter needs to follow the current rules in their state. Therefore, it is important to check state laws.

In Wisconsin, each voter needs to bring their picture ID. You can vote if you: 1) are a citizen; 2) are at least 18 years old; and 3) are a resident of the state you are voting in.

If you have a criminal conviction, you can check the state law to understand when you can start voting again. Unfortunately, sometimes the criminal conviction and the law are rooted in discrimination.

Voting rules for all states can be found on https://866ourvote.org/ 

Other notes

• It is good to thank the poll workers for their service.
• A month before the election, it is wise to verify you are registered to vote.
• You can vote early, by mail, or in person. Check with your Municipal Clerk’s Office to see when early voting starts.
• Check state deadlines for returning absentee ballots. Return ballots as early as possible.
• The Supreme Court ruled the current Administration’s restrictions will not be in effect by this election.
• To vote is taking action for others, not just yourself.
• Poll opening and closing times vary by state. In Wisconsin, the polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Your Rights when casting a ballot

• Federal law states that all polling places have to be fully accessible for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
• Federal law states that people with language difficulties can get help at the polling place or at home (Voting Rights Act sec. 203). Let the poll worker know if you have needs.
• If you, the voter, is having a problem at the polling place, call the voter hotline, ask for a provisional ballot - DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT VOTING. 
  The Voter Hotline is 866 OUR VOTE. The hotline tracks problems.
  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
  • Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
  • Asian languages/English: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
  • Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
• Remain in line even if the polls close. All who are in line will be able to vote.
• If you make a mistake, you can get a replacement ballot.
• Federal law protects voters from intimidation. Intimidation is illegal and a crime.
• Federal law explicitly prohibits the presence of armed federal agents at the polls.

Plan to lessen intimidation

• Stay safe, stay calm.
• Take notes and call the voter protection hotline.
• Tell the poll workers.
• Only take photos if the state allows.

Finally, find out if you are registered to vote at https://www.aclu.org/are-you-registered-to-vote or visit myvote.wi.gov if you reside in Wisconsin.