How to Make Sure Your Vote is Counted

It CAN happen again! In recent years, Americans have been forced to question a most basic aspect of our national rights: our right to vote. But what you do now could make an important difference in promoting American Democracy. Follow the steps below to ensure a fair and trustworthy democratic process in the next election.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Remind your election officials of potential problems with the voting process. Your work now will ensure a clean, trustworthy election in 2008.
2. Double check that you’re registered to vote. It’s OK to send in more than one registration. Changing your address with the DMV does not update your voter registration
3. Mail carefully. If you’re voting absentee, make sure you filled out the form properly, signed where it’s required, sealed the envelope correctly and marked the ballot as instructed. If the ballot weighs more than one ounce, make sure you’ve applied enough postage.
4. Assemble a phone list of your county and state election officials—it could save you critical time on Election Day if you have trouble with your registration. Share it with your friends.
5. Arrive at your polling place early on election day. If you have problems voting, you’ll have plenty of time to sort them out and help others who may have the same problem.
6. Bring your official, government-issued ID (such as your driver's license or passport). Not all states require it, but it can be helpful in case of problems.
7. Ask for a provisional ballot if you have any trouble with your voter eligibility at the polling place on election day. A provisional ballot is cast when the voter doesn’t have a photo ID (in regions that require one), the voter's name is not on the electoral roll for the precinct, the voter's registration contains inaccurate or outdated information such as the wrong address or a misspelled name, or the voter's ballot appears to have been recorded already. Provisional ballot votes are counted contingent upon the verification of that voter's eligibility, and generally acts as registration for the next election.
8. Carry your mobile phone. You can call a hotline immediately if you encounter or observe problems.
9. Vote with a paper ballot. Some states, like California, require polling places to have paper ballots available for voters who request them. Ask for an emergency ballot if voting machines are broken or there are other problems (although emergency ballots may only be available at some locations).
10. Reconfirm your vote. If you use an electronic voting machine, check the review screen to make sure it reflects your vote accurately. If the machine produces a paper record (28 states require one), examine it carefully for accuracy. If it’s wrong, speak to a polling attendant—don’t leave until you’re sure your vote has been recorded correctly.
11. Carry a notepad to document and report any difficulties you or others may encounter. Things to look out for include excessive lines, voter harassment and malfunctioning machines. Take a detailed record of the location, names and specific problem. Report problems to watchdog organizations (listed below).
12. Communicate with your candidate after election day. If there were problems with the election, urge your candidate not to concede prematurely. Encourage them to pursue challenges and recounts. Volunteer to help.
13. Communicate with your election officials. Let your county and state election officials know if you have concerns about the election and that you are monitoring their reaction. Request that they not certify the election until all challenges and recounts are complete.