2010 Arkansas Voter Empowerment Card
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with more than 500,000 members dedicated to defending the principles of liberty and equality embodied in the Constitution and our nation's civil rights laws. The ACLU doesn't endorse or oppose any candidate or party, but we believe that no civil right is more important in our democracy than the right to vote.
This card is designed to help you protect your own right to vote. Keep it handy, and take it with you to the polls on Election Day.
WHO CAN VOTE
Can I vote in Arkansas
• You can vote in the November 2 election if you're registered to vote by Monday, October 4, 2010.
• (1) You're a U.S. Citizen;
• (2) You're an Arkansas resident;
• (3) You'll be at least 18 yrs old on election day;
• (4) You're not in prison or on probation or parole for a felony conviction and;
• (5) you have not been declared by a court to be mentally incompetent to vote.
What if I am a Student
• You can register to vote at whatever address you regard as your principal place of residence. This can be your school address or your home.
What if I've been convicted of a crime
• If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can vote, but you have to vote by absentee ballot if you're still in jail.
• If you were convicted of a felony in Arkansas, you can vote if you're not currently incarcerated or on probation or parole. Your right to register to vote is restored only when you complete your sentence, parole and/or probation.
• To restore your right to register, you must take proof of your discharge to your local county clerk. Once your local county clerk has received this proof, you're eligible to register to vote. If you don't have proof of your discharge, and you were released or paroled, you should contact: Centralized Records at the Arkansas Department of Corrections, 890 Freeline Dr. Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 267 6684. If you were released through probation, you should contact the records unit for the individual corrections unit.
What if I'm homeless
• You don't need a home to register, but you do have to identify a place of residence (which can be a street corner, a park, a shelter, or any other place of residence where you usually stay). You also have to identify a mailing address. You may want to use the address of a local advocacy organization, shelter, or outreach center, or anywhere else willing to accept mail on your behalf.
REGISTRATION
How do I register? You can register to vote: (1) in person, by filling out a voter registration form at your county clerk's office; (2) By mail, by filling out a mail-in voter registration form and mailing it to the Secretary of State or your county clerk's office; or (3) When you apply for services at Driver Services and state agencies that provide public assistance (such as Medicaid, WIC, and food stamps) or services to people with disabilities. You may also be able to register at many other state and federal offices and agencies.
• You can get Mail-in voter registration forms from your local elections office, from most libraries, colleges and high schools or online at
What's the registration deadline
• Monday, October 4, 2010
What if I miss the deadline
• You won't be able to vote in the November 2 election, but you can register to vote in other future elections.
What if I've moved or changed my name
• You should update your registration every time you move or change your name. If you have moved within the state after registering to vote, you must vote based on your new address, even if you have not updated your registration information. Check with the local clerk and locate your new polling location.
• If you moved to Arkansas from another state and didn't re-register, you won't be able to vote in the November 2, election.
• If you haven't updated your registration by October 4, or if you move or change your name after October 29, call your county clerk as soon as possible to find out where and how to vote.
How do I know if I'm registered
• You can check your registration status online at http://votenaturally.org or http://www.voterview.arnova. org or by calling your county clerk.
VOTING EARLY
Can I vote before Election Day
• Yes. Any registered voter can vote before Election Day by casting an absentee ballot or by casting a ballot in person at an early voting center.
How do I vote early in person
• The early voting period begins Monday, October 18, and continues until Monday November 1. Check your local newspaper or call your county clerk for the hours and location of an early voting center near you.
How do I get an absentee ballot
• Call or visit your county clerk's office to get an application for an absentee ballot.
• Then submit you application to your county clerk's office: (1) in person no later then Monday, November 1 (2) By mail or fax no later than Tuesday, October 26; (3) By sending a ˇ§designated bearerˇ¨ (someone you choose to pick up or deliver your ballot) no later than Monday, November 1; or (4) By sending an ˇ§authorized agentˇ¨ (someone who has filed an affidavit with the county clerk authorizing him or her to assist voters who are hospitalized or living in a long-term facility) by 1:30 p.m. on election day.
What's the deadline for returning my absentee ballot
• To be counted, your absentee ballot must be received by your county clerk by the close of business on the day before the election, if you deliver it personally by hand, or by 7:30 p.m. the day of the election if you deliver it by mail, by a designated bearer or by authorized agent.
VOTING ON ELECTION DAY
When is Election Day
• Tuesday, November 2.
When are the polls open
• Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You have the right to vote if you're in line when the polls close.
Can I get time off from work to vote
• Maybe. If your work schedule would otherwise prevent you from voting in person while the polls are open on Election Day, your employer is required to schedule you so that you have an opportunity to vote.
Where do I vote
• On Election day, you have to vote at the polling place to which you're assigned.
• Your assigned polling place will be listed on the acknowledgement that you should receive in the mail when you register.
• If you don't have your acknowledgement, you can call your county clerk's office or look up your polling place online at http://www.votenaturally.org or https://www.voterview.ar_nova.org.
Can I take election materials with me into my polling place
• Yes. You may take items into your polling place, either written or printed, for aiding in the voting process. Examples include a sample ballot, a voter guide, or this card. You may not take pamphlets or other promotional material with you for candidates or political parties. Campaign materials are not allowed to be shown or distributed to anyone within 100 fee of polling place locations.
What if my polling place in not accessible
• Each county election board has the responsibility to ensure that polling places are accessible. If you find out before Election Day that your polling place in not accessible, call the State Board of Election Commissioners (800) 411-6996 and the county board right away to ask for an accommodation. You have the right to an accessible polling place and an accessible voting machine. Or, if you prefer, vote by absentee ballot.
• You can also have two poll workers help you, or you can bring one person of your choice to assist you. You have the right to have anyone you choose to assist you as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.
Can I get a ballot in my native language
• Most election materials in Arkansas are available in English only. You have the right to bring a translator with you to the polls or to get assistance in your language from anyone you choose, including a poll worker, as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.
What if I need help in the voting booth
• If you need help because of a physical disability or because you can't read the ballot, tell a poll worker when you get to your polling place. You have the right to vote on an accessible voting machine. You also have the right to have anyone you choose assist you in the voting booth, including a poll worker, as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.
• If you need instructions on how to use the voting equipment, ask a poll worker for help. Poll workers are required to help you.
VOTER ID
Do I have to show ID
• Probably not. Poll workers are required to ask for it, but most voters can cast a regular ballot without ID.
• You only need ID if: (1) you're a first-time voter in Arkansas; (2) You registered to vote by mail; and (3) You didn't provide proper identification when you registered
What are the accepted forms of ID
• Accepted forms of ID include a current and valid photo ID card or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
What if I don't have any ID
• Unless the first-time voter ID requirements apply to you, poll workers are required to simply note that you don't have ID and then give you a regular ballot.
• Otherwise, first-time voters can cast a provisional ballot, but that ballot probably won't be counted. If you have time and have ID at home or work, it's usually better to get your ID and return to the polls to cast a regular ballot.
PROBLEMS AT THE POLLS
What if I'm not on the voter list
• First, ask a poll worker to check the list again to confirm that you're at the right polling place for your address. The poll worker should ask you to confirm your address and date of birth and attempt to verify this information with your county clerk.
• If you're at the right polling place but your name isn't on the voter list and the poll worker cannot confirm your information, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if your name isn't on the voter list, as long as you're willing to swear that you believe you registered to vote.
What if I go to the wrong polling place
• Go to the right polling place. You can ask a poll worker to help you find the polling place where you're registered. You can also call your county clerk's office or look up your polling place online at https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org. If you are unsure where to go and can't find out, go to the polling place you think is most likely the right one.
What if someone challenges my right to vote
• If you bring an accepted from of ID with your current address, you may be able to resolve the challenge at the polling place and cast a regular vote.
• If you can't resolve the challenge, ask for a provisional ballot. Election officials will rule on the challenge before the election results become final, and you ballot will be counted if they determine that you were eligible to vote.
What if someone tries to intimidate or harass me
• Tell a poll worker right away. If the poll worker is the problem, call your county clerk's office, call one of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this card, or make a complaint online at http://www.votingrights.org.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot or the voting machine malfunctions
• Tell a poll worker before you cast your vote. If you spoil a paper ballot, you have the right to up to two replacements as long as you catch the mistake before you cast your ballot. If your machine malfunctions, bring it to the poll worker's attention so that you can vote on a different machine or paper ballot.
How do I make a complaint
• First, ask for an election judge at your polling place. He or she can handle most routine complaints that arise on Election day. If they can't resolve your complaint, call your county election commission, county clerk or the Secretary of State.
• You can call on of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this card or make a complaint at http://www.votingrights.org
• You can also call the State Board of Election Commissioners to report any problem, including complaints against election officials at http:www.arkansas.gov/sbec or by calling (501) 682-1834
TIPS FOR ADVOIDING PROBLEMS
• Check your voter registration status at least 30 days before the Election.
• Vote before Election Day using early voting.
• If you plan to vote at the polls, locate your polling place at least 30 days before the election.
• Vote early in the day to avoid the last-minute rush.
• Bring some form of identification, even if it's not required.
• Read all instructions carefully.
• Ask for help if you need it.
• Take your time. You have up to 5 minutes in the voting booth to cast your vote.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
• ARKANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE: (800) 247-3312
• STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS (501) 682-1834
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: (800) 253-3931
• ACLU VOTING RIGHTS PROJECT: (877) 523-2792, http:/www.votingrights.org
• ACLU OF ARKANSAS (501) 374-2660 www.acluarkansas.org
• ELECTION PROTECTION HOTLINE (866) OUR-VOTE,http://www.866ourvote.org
