ACLU of Virginia Dispenses Free “Empowerment Cards” and Advice for Voters

RICHMOND, VA–The ACLU of Virginia is dispensing free voters’ rights cards and is available to offer advice to voters who encounter difficulties confirming their registration status or voting.
The civil liberties group is also advising voters this year to determine in advance of Election Day if their polling places have changed and or they have been moved from one legislative district to another as a result of redistricting.
“According to new reports, as many as one-third of Virginia’s voters will be in different legislative districts due to the decennial redistricting,” said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Kent Willis.
“The best way to avoid problems at the polls is to be sure of your voting status and your polling place in advance of Election Day, and to know what your rights are when you arrive at the polls,” added Willis.
Available free to civic groups, non-profit organizations, individuals and political campaigns (regardless of party affiliation), the 2011 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 to Show ID to vote?
2. If I’m in line when the polls close, can I still vote?
3. Can I wear campaign apparel when going to vote?
4. What should I do if I have moved since the ’10 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?

Ordering Cards: Available in both English and Spanish, cards may be ordered by calling 804/644-8080 or sending an email to acluva[aht]acluva.org. Cards may be viewed online and downloaded at https://www.acluva.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Cards2011engspan.pdf.