Know Your Rights on Election Day - Some Helpful Tips by NCLR
In light of news about various efforts to suppress the Latino vote in several states, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) has put together the following list of suggestions to help you be prepared on Election Day.
1. If you have a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or state-issued identification, bring it! In many places, you will not be required to show identification. Some polling places may, however, require you to show ID only if you are a first-time voter who registered by mail. If you do not have those documents, bring one that shows your name and address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck stub, government check, or other government document. If you feel you have been singled out to produce ID, call (888) 839-8682 to report the incident.
2. If you do not have any of these forms of ID and are a registered voter, you can still cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is a form of contingent voting that allows voters to cast a ballot that will be counted after election officials verify eligibility.
3. If you need assistance reading or filling out the ballot, you have the right to bring someone with you to the polls to help you or to request assistance from a poll worker. Some locations, but not all, are required to have materials in Spanish or other languages. For a list of these locations, call (888) 839-8682.
4. If you make a mistake on your voting ballot, you have the right to get a new one.
5. If you requested an absentee or vote-by-mail ballot but did not send it in, you can turn it in at any voting precinct or polling place of the county where you are registered.
6. If you have any problems—such as your name does not appear on the list, your eligibility is challenged, you do not have ID, there are no more ballots, etc.—request a provisional ballot.
7. If you are already in line by the time the polls close, you have the right to cast your vote.
8. You have the right to vote in secret and without being intimidated.
9. If you are denied a provisional ballot, have any problems that prevent you from casting your vote, or witness any questionable incidents, call (888) 839-8682.