Before You Vote

The New York Times
October 26, 2004

Before You Vote
By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE

Election officials and watchdog groups advise voters to verify where their polling place is, ask whether they need to show identification to vote, and find out whether the jurisdiction allows them to vote with a provisional ballot even if they show up in the wrong precinct or district.

Most voters should receive essential information in the mail, but can also call the local elections board for help. Sample ballots are printed in many newspapers and can also be obtained at the polling place.

Several Web sites can alert voters to their rights. These include

www.lawyerscommittee.org
www.civilrights.org
and
www.impact2004.org

A coalition of public-interest groups has set up a toll-free hot line at
(866) OUR-VOTE
to offer advice and dispatch a lawyer or other volunteer to polling places.

Common Cause has also established a toll-free hot line at 866-MY-VOTE1. By entering a ZIP code, voters can be connected to their local elections boards. (Be advised that this group also says it may share calls with the news media.)