VOTERS' RIGHTS - Virginia Elections 2010
Election Day Hotlines
ACLU 804-644-8080
NAACP 804-321-5678
Am I registered to vote?
To find out, call your local registrar ("Voter Registration" in the city/county government pages of the White Pages) or the State Board of Elections, at 1-800-552-9745. You can also check on the internet at http://www.sbe.virginia.gov.
When do I vote?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Polling places are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where do I vote?
Look on your voter registration card or call your local voter registration office before Election Day. Or, find your polling place online at www.sbe.virginia.gov.
Registering to Vote
The deadline to register to vote in the November 2010 General Election is October 12. Applications are available at all local voter registration offices, public libraries, DMV offices, and online at http://www.sbe.virginia.gov
Absentee Voting
If you expect to be unable to go to your polling place on Election Day because of work, school, religious, medical, or other reasons, you may be able to vote by absentee ballot via mail or in person. (VA Code 24.2-700) The absentee ballot application (available at your local registrar's office or online at www.sbe.virginia.gov) must be received in your local voter registrar's office by Oct. 30, 2010 (or by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26, if mailed) in order for you to receive a ballot by mail. (VA Code 24.2-701-702) Your completed ballot must be delivered by you, in person, or by a Board of Elections-approved mail service (check with your local registrar) to the registrar's office by Nov. 2, 2010 at 7 p.m. Absentee voting in person at your local registrar's office begins approximately 45 days before Election Day and ends on Oct. 30, 2010 — confirm hours with your local registrar's office. (VA Code 24.2-707-709)
Restoration of Voting Rights
If you cannot vote due to a felony conviction, you may be able to have your voting rights restored. In Virginia, only the Governor can restore your right to vote. The process begins by submitting an application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. For more information or assistance, contact the Virginia Voter Restoration Project at 804-644-8080 or vote@restoreourvote.org. Learn more at www.restoreourvote.org.
Top Ten Questions Asked by Voters
1. Do I Need Show ID to Vote?
Virginia law does not require you to show an ID to vote. If you do not have your ID, ask for and complete an Affirmation of Identity form in order to cast a regular ballot. (VA Code 24.2-643(b)) However, if (a) you are voting in a federal election for the first time; (b) you registered to vote by mail; and, (c) you didn't provide ID when you registered, you must either show an ID to vote or cast a Provisional Ballot. A provisional ballot may not be counted unless you bring ID to your electoral board's office by November 3. (VA Code 24.2-643(e)) Acceptable IDs: Virginia driver's license, government ID, employee ID with photo, or voter card. If the first-time federal voter requirements apply, a utility bill, bank statement, or other document with name and address is also acceptable.
2. If I'm in line when the polls close, can I still vote?
Yes! You have the right to vote if you are in line by 7 p.m. when the polls close. (VA Code 24.2-603)
3. Can I wear campaign apparel when going to vote?
Yes! You are allowed to wear apparel and buttons or stickers that contain a candidate's name or a political slogan to the polls. (VA Code 24.2-604(k))
4. What should I do if I have moved since the '09 election?
If you did not notify the registrar of your move, you may still vote in your old precinct in this year's election. (VA Code 24.2-401) You should notify your local registration office before the next registration deadline in order to vote in your new precinct in the next election.
5. What if I believe I am registered but a poll worker says I am not?
Ask the poll worker to contact the local registrar. If the registrar is unavailable or cannot find your name, ask for a Provisional Ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if your name is not on the voter list. However, be aware that your ballot may not be counted if the Board of Elections can find no record of your registration. (VA Code 24.2-652-653)
6. What if someone challenges my eligibility to vote even though I am on the list of registered voters?
Ask for an Affirmation of Eligibility form. You have a right to vote if you sign this form. (VA Code 24.2-651-651.1)
7. What should I do if I make a mistake on a paper ballot?
Ask for a replacement ballot immediately. You have a right to as many replacement ballots as you need. (VA Code 24.2 -645)
8. What if I need instructions on how to use the voting equipment?
Ask a poll worker for help. Poll workers are required to assist you at any time you ask — even if you have entered the voting booth. (VA Code 24.2-647)
9. What if I need help in the voting booth because of a physical disability or I have trouble reading or writing?
Ask a poll worker for a Request for Assistance form. You have a right to have a poll worker, friend, or relative help you in the voting booth if you sign this form. (VA Code 24.2-649 (b))
10. What if I cannot solve my problem using this card?
Contact the Election Day hotlines at the ACLU of Virginia, 804-644-8080, or the Virginia NAACP, 804-321-5678.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
State Board of Elections: 800-552-9745
ACLU of Virginia: 804-644-8080
VA State Conference NAACP: 804-321-5678
USEFUL WEBSITE: http://www.sbe.virginia.gov
ACLU of Virginia
www.acluva.org
NAACP Virginia State Conference
www.virginianaacp.org
