By Sheryl Swingley—
MUNCIE, IN—Election Day is almost here—Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“Remember your voice is powerful, and your vote matters,” said Linda Hanson, Indiana League of Women Voters president and spokesperson for the Muncie-Delaware County League. “The League is here to support you with reliable election information.”
Here are some important reminders about election safety.
When voters have questions or concerns, they can contact Election Protection at 866-687-8683. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Voters also can call the Delaware County Voting and Elections Office, 765-747-7812, if a poll worker acts improperly. For example, a poll worker should not support candidates, ask voters their party or ask who a voter is voting for.
According to the League of Women Voters, “Protecting the right to vote, prosecuting election crimes, and securing our elections are all essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our democratic system of government.”
Voters should know that election officials follow strict safeguards to ensure every ballot is accurately counted.
Any complaints relating to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported to local authorities by calling 911.
“Overall, the counting of ballots for the November election takes time, so please be patient,” Hanson said. “You can learn more by watching this video series from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.”
Voters who run into a problem on Election Day and are told they cannot vote, should ask for a provisional ballot.
A provisional ballot allows voters to cast a vote if:
—There is a question about their qualification to vote in the precinct (for example, they are not on the poll book)
—Voters are challenged as not qualified to vote in a precinct (for example, the voter did not have photo identification).
A person may not challenge the right of an individual to vote at an election in the precinct solely on the basis of the individual’s:
A. Enrollment in an educational institution; or
B. Being judged mentally ill; or
C. Registered to vote at an address that is housing provided for students by the educational institution; or
D. Actual or perceived affiliation with a political party; or
E. Support or opposition to a candidate or the adoption of a public question.
Voters who cast a provisional ballot have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county elections and voting office and either provide the necessary documentation or complete an affidavit available in the clerk’s office to affirm that one of the photo ID law’s exemptions applies to the voter.
Also, voters who cast a provisional ballot will be able to contact their county election board after Election Day to find out whether their ballot was counted, and if it was not counted, why not. This information also can be found on the voter’s portal page after logging in to indianavoters.com if you are a registered voter of the county where you cast your provisional ballot.
The League, since its founding in 1920, strives to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education and litigation at the local, state and national levels.
In addition, the League never supports or opposes political parties or candidates. Instead, it takes positions on issues that affect voters. Positions might align with a party or a candidate at times but diverge at other times. The League’s focus is always on policies and measures that serve the public interest – not party affiliation.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund and local leagues work to register and inform voters through the election resources of VOTE411.org and candidate forums.
People of all different governing beliefs are eligible to join local chapters of the League of Women Voters. No invitation is needed. To join the Muncie-Delaware County League, go to https://www.lwvmunciedelaware.org/.
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