Pennsylvania Voter's Bill of Rights, 800 Numbers and Suggestions

[JPZenger]

This is from a PA. disability rights group, but the same rights apply to everyone.

http://dvcpa.org/Files/Admin/PDF's/PA_Voters_Bill_of_Rights.pdf

Democratic Voter Protection Hotline: [phone]-vote

PA. Dept. of State Hotline - 1877-8683772

It is also a good idea to have the phone number of your county voting office with you, particularly if you are volunteering.

Also bring a folding chair. If the lines get long (particularly in the evening), many people have trouble standing and would appreciate a place to sit. In 2008, the Obama campaign also had snacks and water available for volunteers to hand out wherever the lines were long. In 2004, we sang "We shall overcome" to people in an unusually long line.

The first time a person is voting, or at a new polling place, they need to have some form of ID. Otherwise, the voter ID law is not in effect for this election. Here's English and Spanish posters on the ID requirements, from the Committee of Seventy:

http://www.seventy.org/Downloads/Voter_Education_Flyerv10.11.12.pdf

http://www.seventy.org/Downloads/Spanish_Flyerv10.19.12.pdf

No one should walk away without voting. If there is a problem, they should demand a provisional paper ballot, so their voting eligibility can be determined later.

If you are in line as of 8 pm, you must be allowed to vote. Typically, they have everyone go inside and then they lock the doors.

Persons with a criminal record or on probation or parole can vote in PA., as long as they are not in prison on election day.

[livetohike]

1. Thanks for posting this

[blue neen]

2. Very valuable information.

Thanks, JP!

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Thanks. Very good information. nt

[JPZenger]

4. US Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Hotline

from DOJ site:

"The US Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division staff will be available by phone to receive complaints related to ballot access (1-800-253-3931 toll-free or 202-307-2767) or by TTY (1-877-267-8971). In addition, individuals may also report complaints, problems, or concerns related to voting by fax to 202-307-3961, by e-mail to [email protected], and, closer to Election Day, by complaint forms that may be submitted through a link on the department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/.

Complaints related to violence or threats of violence at a polling place should, in the first instance, always be reported to local police authorities by calling 911."