October 28, 2008

Contact: Dotty Griffith, Public Education Director, ACLU Foundation of Texas; (512) 478-7300 x 106 or 923-1909; dgriffith@aclutx.org

AUSTIN – The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas today asked voters to watch for irregularities at polling places and urged voters to report problems to election officials and the ACLU Election Hotline.

The ACLU Voting Rights Project has launched a toll free hotline so voters can report voting rights violations and irregularities.

“This is one of the most important elections in our nation’s history and a record turnout is expected,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. “Because of the sheer numbers expected at the polls for early voting and on Election Day, there will undoubtedly be some problems. Most situations can and will be resolved easily and on the spot. However, voters with unresolved issues and concerns should contact our Election Hotline.”

Voters with complaints are encouraged to call the toll-free Election Hotline, 1-877-523-2792. The Election Hotline is available 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and will be available 5 am to 11 pm on Election Day, November 4.

VOTING IRREGULARITIES TO WATCH FOR:

• Poll watching activities that go beyond mere observation and become harassment. For example, poll watchers taking photos of voters, asking for I.D. or wearing attire that looks like law enforcement uniforms.

• Disinformation campaigns, such as posting fliers in minority neighborhoods or near the polls prior to elections which give false information. For example, signs advising that people with unpaid traffic tickets are liable to be arrested if they vote or that ex-felons can't vote. Texas law allows felons who have completed their sentences to vote.

• Moving polling places on short notice or without sufficient warning, and, if the jurisdiction is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, making the change without pre-clearance.

• Inserting phony voters in lines at the polls to lengthen the lines and discourage would-be voters from getting in line.

• Any other voter intimidation or suppression practices.

• Polling place difficulties such as problems casting provisional ballots, polls opening too late or closing too early, and lack of access to centralized voter registration records.

• Problems with voting machines, including both human errors and technology-related problems.

• Efforts to tamper with voting machines or otherwise affect the outcome of the election. For more information on the ACLU Voting Rights Project, go to: www.aclu.org/votingrights.

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