It’s Election Day (or, as we’ve seen it on Facebook, No More Election Ads Eve), and that means it’s time to make the most of our democracy and vote.
We know that every day in staffing is a busy one, but it’s important to make the time to vote, and to encourage your staffers to make that time, too. If you or any of them are unsure of where your polling place is, Google has this great Elections tool to find it.
Unfortunately, this year, we’re all encouraged to “vote defensively.” That doesn’t mean to vote from a defensive position, but to defend your right to vote and the accuracy of your vote.
Sad to say, but shady poll tactics seem to be all over the place these days, so be aware of the following:
- Calls, visits or flyers telling you that voting has been postponed or your polling place has been moved.
- Poll watchers from various organizations giving out misinformation and encouraging voters to cast a provisional vote, which is usually discarded.
- Intimidation at the polls, up to the point of preventing registered voters from voting.
- Electronic ballots not reflecting the voter’s chosen options.
If you experience or see any of these tactics at the polls, record it as best you can (ideally with cell phone video) and alert the nonpartisan, nonprofit Voter Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
Here’s to a big turnout, a smooth election and no more ads!