ACLU of Virginia to Monitor Polls on Election Day

Richmond, VA – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia will be monitoring the polls this Election Day to ensure that all Virginians who are registered to vote are able to exercise their right, freely and without hindrance. As part of the monitoring efforts, the organization will offer an Election Day hotline to answer questions from voters who encounter problems at the polls. The ACLU of Virginia hotline number is 1-800-678-9885. Emails sent to acluva@acluva.org or ProtectTheVote@aclu.org will also be answered.

“November 4th marks the first statewide test of Virginia’s photo ID mandate and the ACLU of Virginia stands ready to protect and defend anyone whose right to vote is denied because of this law,” said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Claire Guthrie Gastañaga. “Voting should be free, fair, and accessible to all citizens.”
Voters should be prepared to present an approved, valid form of photo ID to cast a vote.

Acceptable photo IDs include:

• Virginia Driver’s License or other Virginia DMV Photo ID (not expired more than 12 months)
• United States Passport (not expired more than 12 months)
• Other government-issued photo ID (must be issued by U.S. Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth)
• Valid Virginia college or university student photo ID
• Employee photo ID of the voter
• FREE Voter Photo ID Card (available at any general registrar’s office)
• For a complete list, visit http://elections.virginia.gov/index.php/registration/photo-ids-required-to-vote/

The ACLU of Virginia can help voters with many common problems, including what to do if:

• Your vote is challenged;
• You are not on the registration roll;
• You cannot physically access the polling precinct;
• You make a mistake on the ballot; or
• You are told you cannot vote because you’re wearing political attire.

Voters who fail to show an approved, valid photo ID may cast a provisional ballot, but must then provide proof of photo ID to their general registrar by noon on Friday, November 7, 2014, to complete their vote. Voters without an approved photo ID may get a free, temporary photo ID printed instantly from their general registrar, even on Election Day.

While voters often encounter problems, this Election Day may be especially challenging because of the new photo ID requirement. Any voter who encounters photo ID problems is encouraged to call or email the ACLU of Virginia at 1-800-678-9885, acluva@acluva.org, or ProtectTheVote@aclu.org.