THE VOTERA Publication of The League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham
Published October 2004
President's Message
This will be my last article before Election Day. I know League members understand the importance of voting and are probably comfortable with the process on Election Day. But you may have family members, friends or co-workers who are apprehensive, given the problems of 2000 and the new requirements of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
First of all, there is still time to register. (October 22nd is the deadline.) There is still time to check on your registration and correct polling place. Just call the Board of Registrars (325-5311). If you get to the polls and find that you aren’t on the list, don’t panic. You should be able to either find your correct polling place or be given a provisional ballot.
Take your ID with you. The safest forms are your driver’s license, paycheck stub or a utility bill with your name and address on it.
HAVA requires that certain information be posted at polling places. Look for the writing on the wall. Directions for using the voting system in your county, a list of your voting rights and instructions for filing a complaint should be displayed.
If you have questions about the machine or your ballot, ask for help from a poll worker. They are there to help you.
Because this is an important election, you may have to wait in line. Take something to read, listen to music on your personal listening device or just visit with neighbors. (Remember, no electioneering within 100 feet of the polls.) League volunteers in association with ACCR (Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform) will be circulating a petition calling for a constitutional convention to rewrite our horrendous state constitution. You may wish to sign it.
Whatever problems you may encounter, and we do not expect many, do not give up and walk away without voting. It is too important!
Sarah McDonald
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