ACLU Launches Voter Empowerment Program
Effort Includes Cards Advising Voters Of Basic Rights And Emergency Contacts On Election Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
ATLANTA – The American Civil Liberties Union proudly launched its voter empowerment program today. As part of this effort, the ACLU will distribute 480,000 cards in 32 states that inform voters of their rights on Election Day and how to avoid problems when casting a ballot.
“From partisan shenanigans to administrative incompetence, we’ve seen far too many cases of voter suppression this election cycle. And with turnout expected to reach record levels across the country, it is more important than ever for voters to know their rights on Election Day,” said Bryan Sells, senior staff counsel with the ACLU Voting Rights Project. “The right to vote is too important to be violated. That’s why the ACLU is working hard to ensure that all voters’ rights are protected and that every vote is counted on November 4. There is just too much at stake for people to be denied their voices in choosing America’s next leader.”
The cards, which are being distributed by ACLU state affiliates and are available for download at www.aclu.org/vec, summarize the basic state and federal laws pertaining to every voter and list emergency contact numbers for voters to call if they encounter problems at the polls. The cards also provide answers to common questions such as: Where do I vote? Is identification required? How can I minimize potential problems?
Voter empowerment cards have been created for voters in 32 states – from Alabama to New Mexico to Wyoming. There are 55 editions of the cards in eight languages. Voters can report complaints on a wide range of elections issues – including equipment malfunctions, access to the polls and discriminatory or illegal election practices – by calling the ACLU toll-free help line: 1-877-523-2792.
“With Election Day right around the corner, we are pleased to offer an important tool to help people exercise their fundamental right to vote,” said Laughlin McDonald, Director of the ACLU Voting Rights Project. “You never know what might happen at the polls – that’s why voters must be as informed as possible.”
Through a multi-pronged effort of litigation and legislative advocacy, the ACLU is on the front lines fighting the important constitutional battle to protect voting rights. The ACLU has challenged voter suppression efforts throughout the country, including the practice of “caging,” unlawful voter purges and photo identification laws.
To download the voter empowerment cards, go to: www.aclu.org/vec
For more information on the ACLU Voting Rights Project, go to: www.aclu.org/voting-rights
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in Voting Rights
-
Voting and Immigrants’ Rights Advocates Sue Over New Florida Law That Targets Voter Registration, Civic Engagement, and Political Speech
-
Honoring the Past, Paving the Future: Enhancing Voter Registration
-
Here's How Georgia's New Voting Law Harms Voters With Disabilities
-
Voting and Civil Rights Groups Challenge Inequity in Access to Voting Under Georgia Law
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Voting Rights
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. The ACLU works to protect and expand Americansʼ freedom to vote.