Voters still have through next Tuesday to register for upcoming elections.
RICHMOND, VA–The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is distributing informational cards describing voters’ rights and urging voters to register before next Tuesday’s deadline.
“Most voters don’t know this, but starting this year they have an extra week to register,” said ACLU of Virginia executive director Kent Willis.  “There’s still more than a week to go.”
“We also advise individuals to get one of our Voter Empowerment Cards and voter advocacy groups to order them in large numbers for distribution to voters before they go to the polls,” added Willis.  “The very best way to avoid problems at the polls is to know what your rights are when you arrive.”
“The bottom line is that anyone encountering a problem with registration or at the polls can call us at 804-644-8080, and we’ll assist them,” said Willis.
Available free to civic groups, non-profit organizations, individuals and political campaigns (regardless of party affiliation), the 2010 Virginia Voters’ Rights Card is pocket-sized and intended to help voters overcome obstacles they may encounter on Election Day.  In past years, the ACLU of Virginia and its co-sponsor, the Virginia NAACP, have distributed as many as 50,000 cards and directly assisted as many as 100 individual voters on Election Day.
The card answers the top ten questions voters are likely to have at the polls:

  1. Do I need an ID to vote?
  2. If I’m in line when the polls close, can I still vote?
  3. Can I wear campaign apparel when voting?
  4. What should I do if I have moved since the ’09 election?
  5. What if I believe I am registered, but a poll worker says I am not?
  6. What if someone challenges my eligibility to vote even though I am on the voter rolls?
  7. What should I do if I make a mistake on a paper ballot?
  8. What if I need instructions on how to use the voting equipment?
  9. What if I need help because of a physical disability or I have trouble reading?
  10. What if I cannot solve my problem using this card?

The card also offers advice on absentee voting, proper ways for identifying oneself at the polls, as well as contact information for voters who are seeking additional assistance.
Ordering Cards: Available in both English and Spanish, cards may be ordered by calling 804/644-8080 or sending an email to acluva@acluva.org.  Cards may be viewed online and downloaded at http://acluva.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Cards2010engspan.pdf.