Important Correction to Early Voting Hours for Saturday, November 1st. NOT ALL of the Counties are going to be doing extended hours on Saturday!!!
Please check the North Carolina State Board of Election Website for where your Early Vote Site is and what time it will close on Saturday!
You can see more information at WRAL!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Election 2008:Early Voting Hours for Saturday, November 1st
All Early Voting site in North Carolina will remain open until 5:00pm on Saturday, November 1st.
We encourage you to use the Early Voting option.
We encourage you to use the Early Voting option.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Election 2008: Special Announcement-Early Voting Hours Extended for Saturday
WRAL news is reporting that all Early Voting locations will be open four extra hours on Saturday, November 1st.
This announcement is from the North Carolina State Board of Elections and does cover all 100 counties.
Read More at WRAL News.
This announcement is from the North Carolina State Board of Elections and does cover all 100 counties.
Read More at WRAL News.
Election 2008: Early Voting Ends November 1st
Quick reminder: It is not to late to vote early! That is right, while you are running around doing that last minute Halloween costume purchase or last minute Halloween candy purchase please consider stopping to vote!
We encourage you to vote early. The lines on Tuesday, November 4th are expected to be long and we do not want you to miss out on casting a ballot in this important election.
Here is some more information on Early Voting Site: If you have not registered to vote, you can register to vote and vote at all Early Voting sites. (This option will not be available to you on Election Day, November 4th)
Early Voting ends on Saturday, November 1st.
We encourage you to vote early. The lines on Tuesday, November 4th are expected to be long and we do not want you to miss out on casting a ballot in this important election.
Here is some more information on Early Voting Site: If you have not registered to vote, you can register to vote and vote at all Early Voting sites. (This option will not be available to you on Election Day, November 4th)
Early Voting ends on Saturday, November 1st.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Election 2008: Presidential Candidates Policy on Disability Issues
Today Governor Sarah Palin delivered a policy speech on children with special needs. We encourage you to read and listen to her policy address. This is the official policy platform for the McCain/Palin campaign on children with special needs.
To learn about the official policy platform for Obama/Biden on people with disabilities please read the following information. Obama/Biden Plan for People with Disabilities.
Just In: Voting Problems? The NC Democratic Party and Republican Party Establish Hotlines
North Carolina early voting is about to break records. Both the North Carolina Democratic Party and the North Carolina Republican Party are aware that sometimes people experience problems at the polls.
To respond to these situations the North Carolina Republican Party and the North Carolina Democratic Party have established hotlines so that you the voter can report your problem.
Here are the numbers:
North Carolina Republican Party - 1-919-828-6423 Extension 146
North Carolina Democratic Party 1-919-394-0403.
We are checking with the Libertarian Party to see if they have anything set up in our state.
Problems at the Polls? Here is who to call.
If you are a person with a disability and you experience any problems at your polls that limit your right to vote, we need you to report it. There are three organizations that are open and ready to take your calls.
Please report barriers to voting to the following organizations:
The NC State Board of Elections at 866-522-4723.
Democracy North Carolina at 888-OUR-VOTE.
The Election Protection National Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
Please report barriers to voting to the following organizations:
The NC State Board of Elections at 866-522-4723.
Democracy North Carolina at 888-OUR-VOTE.
The Election Protection National Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
Your Voting Rights!
We encourage you to use Early/One Stop Voting sites that are now open around the state to cast your vote! We also encourage you to know your rights as a voter! If you are a person with a disability voting in this election there are two laws that protect your rights, one is the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines the other is the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
The North Carolina Board of Elections site states the following on Voter Accessibility for people with disabilities:
Voting Accessibility
North Carolina boards of elections are committed to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Most polling places in the State are accessible to all voters.
Unfortunately, some localities do not have the available structures or adequate funding to alter them. Contact your county board of elections to learn more about your particular voting facility. Note the “reassignment of polling place” provision should your polling place not be accessible in the near future.
Adaptive technology and ballots in accessible media are available upon request. Contact your County Board office and make them aware of your voting needs.
When a voter with a disability appears to vote at his or her precinct on election day, he or she may take advantage of the provisions in G.S. 163-155 and G.S. 163-152(a).
REASSIGNMENT OF POLLING PLACE
If a disabled voter does not wish to vote curbside, and the polling place is not sufficiently equipped to allow comfortable or adequate entrance to the building, there is another option in G.S. 163-130:
"G.S. 163-130. Satellite voting places. A county board of elections may, upon approval of a request submitted in writing to the State Board of Elections, establish a plan whereby elderly or disabled voters in a precinct may vote at designated sites within the precinct other than the regular voting place for that precinct. The State Board of Elections shall approve a county board's proposed plan if:
All the satellite voting places to be used are listed in the county's written request
The plan will in the State Board's judgment overcome a barrier to voting by the elderly or disabled persons;
Adequate security against fraud is provided for; and
The plan does not unfairly favor or disfavor voters with regard to race or party affiliation.
CURBSIDE VOTING
"G.S. 163-166.9. Aged and disabled persons allowed to vote outside voting enclosure. In any primary or election any qualified voter who is able to travel to the voting place, but because of age, or physical disability and physical barriers encountered at the voting place is unable to enter the voting place or enclosure to vote in person without physical assistance, shall be allowed to vote either in the vehicle conveying such person to the voting place or in the immediate proximity of the voting place. . ."
VOTING ASSISTANCE
"G.S. 163-166.8. Assistance to voters in primaries and general elections. In a primary or general election, a registered voter qualified to vote in the primary or general election shall be entitled to assistance in getting to and from the voting booth and in preparing his ballots in accordance with the following rules:
Any voter shall be entitled to assistance from a near relative of his [her] choice.
Any voter in any of the following four categories shall be entitled to assistance from a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter's union:
1. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to enter the voting booth without assistance;
2. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;
3. One who, on account of illiteracy, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;
4. One who, on account of blindness, is unable to enter the voting booth or mark his ballots without assistance."
NORTH CAROLINA TASK FORCE ON ELECTIONS ACCESS
In 1999, disability advocacy leaders, along with local election officials developed the North Carolina Task Force on Elections Access. The Task Force's primary goal is to seek solutions to the issues faced by both voters with disabilities and election officials. The elections community is committed to issues involved in all voters exercising their right to vote and in doing so with dignity and pride.
The North Carolina Board of Elections site states the following on Voter Accessibility for people with disabilities:
Voting Accessibility
North Carolina boards of elections are committed to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Most polling places in the State are accessible to all voters.
Unfortunately, some localities do not have the available structures or adequate funding to alter them. Contact your county board of elections to learn more about your particular voting facility. Note the “reassignment of polling place” provision should your polling place not be accessible in the near future.
Adaptive technology and ballots in accessible media are available upon request. Contact your County Board office and make them aware of your voting needs.
When a voter with a disability appears to vote at his or her precinct on election day, he or she may take advantage of the provisions in G.S. 163-155 and G.S. 163-152(a).
REASSIGNMENT OF POLLING PLACE
If a disabled voter does not wish to vote curbside, and the polling place is not sufficiently equipped to allow comfortable or adequate entrance to the building, there is another option in G.S. 163-130:
"G.S. 163-130. Satellite voting places. A county board of elections may, upon approval of a request submitted in writing to the State Board of Elections, establish a plan whereby elderly or disabled voters in a precinct may vote at designated sites within the precinct other than the regular voting place for that precinct. The State Board of Elections shall approve a county board's proposed plan if:
All the satellite voting places to be used are listed in the county's written request
The plan will in the State Board's judgment overcome a barrier to voting by the elderly or disabled persons;
Adequate security against fraud is provided for; and
The plan does not unfairly favor or disfavor voters with regard to race or party affiliation.
CURBSIDE VOTING
"G.S. 163-166.9. Aged and disabled persons allowed to vote outside voting enclosure. In any primary or election any qualified voter who is able to travel to the voting place, but because of age, or physical disability and physical barriers encountered at the voting place is unable to enter the voting place or enclosure to vote in person without physical assistance, shall be allowed to vote either in the vehicle conveying such person to the voting place or in the immediate proximity of the voting place. . ."
VOTING ASSISTANCE
"G.S. 163-166.8. Assistance to voters in primaries and general elections. In a primary or general election, a registered voter qualified to vote in the primary or general election shall be entitled to assistance in getting to and from the voting booth and in preparing his ballots in accordance with the following rules:
Any voter shall be entitled to assistance from a near relative of his [her] choice.
Any voter in any of the following four categories shall be entitled to assistance from a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter's union:
1. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to enter the voting booth without assistance;
2. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;
3. One who, on account of illiteracy, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;
4. One who, on account of blindness, is unable to enter the voting booth or mark his ballots without assistance."
NORTH CAROLINA TASK FORCE ON ELECTIONS ACCESS
In 1999, disability advocacy leaders, along with local election officials developed the North Carolina Task Force on Elections Access. The Task Force's primary goal is to seek solutions to the issues faced by both voters with disabilities and election officials. The elections community is committed to issues involved in all voters exercising their right to vote and in doing so with dignity and pride.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Election 2008: The Arc of Wake County-Candidate Forum
Wednesday is the date! We have a good list of candidates who will be participating. Please come prepared with your questions!
Wednesday, October 22nd 7 - 9 pm
Raleigh Council Chambers
222 W. Hargett St. Room 201 Raleigh, 27601
Dont miss your chance to ask questions and find out where our candidates stand in the upcoming election.
Wednesday, October 22nd 7 - 9 pm
Raleigh Council Chambers
222 W. Hargett St. Room 201 Raleigh, 27601
Dont miss your chance to ask questions and find out where our candidates stand in the upcoming election.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Accessible Voting: Your Rights and Information
If you have a disability you have a right to access in polling places and to accessible voting machines. We encourage you to visit Don't Block My Vote to learn more about your rights.
Learn About the Candidates and the Parties
Here is a list of websites for the Presidential candidates, the Gubernatorial candidates, the U.S. Senate candidates and the major parties.
Presidential Candidates:
Gubernatorial Candidates:
U.S Senate Candidates for North Carolina:
Early Voting for North Carolina General Election Starts Tomorrow
Want to participate in Election 2008? Of course you do! Here is how to get involved...VOTE! When can you vote? You can vote today!
A North Carolina resident who is qualified to register to vote may register In-Person and vote at a One-Stop Site in the person's county of residence during the One-Stop Absentee Voting period. The One-Stop Voting period extends from 19 to 3 days before Election Day.
The process is sometimes referred to as “In-Person Registration,” but it is important to recognize that it not permitted on Election Day itself.
To use this process, a citizen must (1) go to a One-Stop Voting Site in the county of residence during the One Stop Absentee Voting period, (2) fill out a voter registration application, and (3) provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen’s current name and current address. The new registrant may vote ONLY at a One-Stop Absentee Voting Site in the county of registration during One-Stop Absentee Voting period and not on Election Day.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
A North Carolina driver’s license with current address
A utility bill with name and current address
A telephone or mobile phone bill
An electric or gas bill
A cable television bill
A water or sewage bill
A document with name and current address from a local, state, or U.S. government agency, such as:
A passport
A government-issued photo ID
U.S. military ID
A license to hunt, fish, own a gun, etc.
A property or other tax bill
Automotive or vehicle registration
Certified documentation of naturalization
A public housing or Social Service Agency document
A check, invoice, or letter from a government agency
A birth certificate
A student photo ID along with a document from the school showing the student’s name and current address
A paycheck or paycheck stub from an employer or a W-2 statement
A bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement
If you cannot supply an acceptable form of identification for Proof-of-Residence, your registration application cannot be fully processed until the required information is provided.
Registered voters may also update their address and change vital information in an existing registration record at the One-Stop Site, but they are not allowed to change their party affiliation during the One-Stop Voting period that precedes a partisan primary.
Here is all the information that you need:
Already Registered to Vote:
If you have already registered to vote and want to vote early? Here is where you can vote. One-Stop Voting Sites in North Carolina.
How to Register to Vote and Vote at Early Voting Sites:
If you have not yet registered to vote-it is not to late. You can visit an Early Voting/One-Stop Voting Site today.
A North Carolina resident who is qualified to register to vote may register In-Person and vote at a One-Stop Site in the person's county of residence during the One-Stop Absentee Voting period. The One-Stop Voting period extends from 19 to 3 days before Election Day.
The process is sometimes referred to as “In-Person Registration,” but it is important to recognize that it not permitted on Election Day itself.
To use this process, a citizen must (1) go to a One-Stop Voting Site in the county of residence during the One Stop Absentee Voting period, (2) fill out a voter registration application, and (3) provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen’s current name and current address. The new registrant may vote ONLY at a One-Stop Absentee Voting Site in the county of registration during One-Stop Absentee Voting period and not on Election Day.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
A North Carolina driver’s license with current address
A utility bill with name and current address
A telephone or mobile phone bill
An electric or gas bill
A cable television bill
A water or sewage bill
A document with name and current address from a local, state, or U.S. government agency, such as:
A passport
A government-issued photo ID
U.S. military ID
A license to hunt, fish, own a gun, etc.
A property or other tax bill
Automotive or vehicle registration
Certified documentation of naturalization
A public housing or Social Service Agency document
A check, invoice, or letter from a government agency
A birth certificate
A student photo ID along with a document from the school showing the student’s name and current address
A paycheck or paycheck stub from an employer or a W-2 statement
A bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement
If you cannot supply an acceptable form of identification for Proof-of-Residence, your registration application cannot be fully processed until the required information is provided.
Registered voters may also update their address and change vital information in an existing registration record at the One-Stop Site, but they are not allowed to change their party affiliation during the One-Stop Voting period that precedes a partisan primary.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Comparison of Republican and Democratic Party Platforms
In our continuing effort to provide voter education information, The Arc of the US has available on their website a comparison of the Republican and Democratic Party Platforms. We encourage you to take a look at it.
Election 2008: It's Debate Night!!
That's right fellow citizens, tonight you can watch two debates! The first is the North Carolina Gubernatorial Debate with all three candidates appearing together for the first and only time.
Democratic candidate Bev Perdue, Republican candidate Pat Mc Crory and Libertarian candidate Mike Munger will square off this evening on WRAL. With Early Voting starting tomorrow in North Carolina this is a great opportunity to hear what these three candidates have to say about the issues facing North Carolinian's.
(Debate will begin at 7:00 PM on WRAL)
Then when that is finished, the Presidential candidates will take center stage. This is the final debate for Republican candidate John McCain and Democratic candidate Barack Obama. There has been a lot of hype built around this debate and who can capitalize the most on messaging before Early Voting starts up in multiple states, including our own. We encourage you to take the time to watch what both of these candidates are saying and learn more about their proposed policies. To help you out with that here are the links to the McCain and Obama campaign websites.
(Debate will begin at 9:00 PM on CNN)
Have fun tonight, we will be watching and we will be blogging the Gubernatorial debate.
Early Voting for North Carolina General Election Starts Tomorrow
Early Voting in North Carolina begins tomorrow, Thursday October 16, 2008. We have included on this site information regarding Early Voting and encourage you to vote for the candidate of your choice.
If you have not registered to vote, you will have the opportunity to register and vote at all Early Voting sites in North Carolina. This is an important election, register to vote and vote.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Election 2008: Sample Ballot Information (Edited for Clarification See Bold)
Before you head out to vote....take a moment to familiarize yourself with your local ballot. This year the ballot has four parts. So here they are:
1. Vote for the Presidential Candidate of your choice.
2. Vote for the party of your choice. Democrat, Republican or Libertarian straight party ticket are your choices here. If you vote for a straight party ticket you can skip the Partisan Race section of the ballot. But...you will still NOT have voted for the Judicial races and Non Partisan candidates.
3. Partisan Races are next on the ballot. These include your choice for United States Senate and House of Representatives as well as your choice for North Carolina Senate and House. In addition you will find all state offices, such as commissioner of insurance or labor, in this section.
4. Non Partisan Races are the last on the ballot. These are your judicial candidates.
Want to see a sample ballot here is an example.
1. Vote for the Presidential Candidate of your choice.
2. Vote for the party of your choice. Democrat, Republican or Libertarian straight party ticket are your choices here. If you vote for a straight party ticket you can skip the Partisan Race section of the ballot. But...you will still NOT have voted for the Judicial races and Non Partisan candidates.
3. Partisan Races are next on the ballot. These include your choice for United States Senate and House of Representatives as well as your choice for North Carolina Senate and House. In addition you will find all state offices, such as commissioner of insurance or labor, in this section.
4. Non Partisan Races are the last on the ballot. These are your judicial candidates.
Want to see a sample ballot here is an example.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Arc of the US Voter Information
The Arc of The US has provided several links to help voters educated themselves on the candidates and on issues. We encourage you to visit their election page.
How to Register and Vote at a One-Stop Absentee Site
A North Carolina resident who is qualified to register to vote may register In-Person and vote at a One-Stop Site in the person's county of residence during the One-Stop Absentee Voting period. The One-Stop Voting period extends from 19 to 3 days before Election Day.
The process is sometimes referred to as “In-Person Registration,” but it is important to recognize that it not permitted on Election Day itself.
To use this process, a citizen must (1) go to a One-Stop Voting Site in the county of residence during the One Stop Absentee Voting period, (2) fill out a voter registration application, and (3) provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen’s current name and current address. The new registrant may vote ONLY at a One-Stop Absentee Voting Site in the county of registration during One-Stop Absentee Voting period and not on Election Day.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
A North Carolina driver’s license with current address
A utility bill with name and current address
A telephone or mobile phone bill
An electric or gas bill
A cable television bill
A water or sewage bill
A document with name and current address from a local, state, or U.S. government agency, such as:
A passport
A government-issued photo ID
U.S. military ID
A license to hunt, fish, own a gun, etc.
A property or other tax bill
Automotive or vehicle registration
Certified documentation of naturalization
A public housing or Social Service Agency document
A check, invoice, or letter from a government agency
A birth certificate
A student photo ID along with a document from the school showing the student’s name and current address
A paycheck or paycheck stub from an employer or a W-2 statement
A bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement
If you cannot supply an acceptable form of identification for Proof-of-Residence, your registration application cannot be fully processed until the required information is provided.
Registered voters may also update their address and change vital information in an existing registration record at the One-Stop Site, but they are not allowed to change their party affiliation during the One-Stop Voting period that precedes a partisan primary.
The process is sometimes referred to as “In-Person Registration,” but it is important to recognize that it not permitted on Election Day itself.
To use this process, a citizen must (1) go to a One-Stop Voting Site in the county of residence during the One Stop Absentee Voting period, (2) fill out a voter registration application, and (3) provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen’s current name and current address. The new registrant may vote ONLY at a One-Stop Absentee Voting Site in the county of registration during One-Stop Absentee Voting period and not on Election Day.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
A North Carolina driver’s license with current address
A utility bill with name and current address
A telephone or mobile phone bill
An electric or gas bill
A cable television bill
A water or sewage bill
A document with name and current address from a local, state, or U.S. government agency, such as:
A passport
A government-issued photo ID
U.S. military ID
A license to hunt, fish, own a gun, etc.
A property or other tax bill
Automotive or vehicle registration
Certified documentation of naturalization
A public housing or Social Service Agency document
A check, invoice, or letter from a government agency
A birth certificate
A student photo ID along with a document from the school showing the student’s name and current address
A paycheck or paycheck stub from an employer or a W-2 statement
A bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement
If you cannot supply an acceptable form of identification for Proof-of-Residence, your registration application cannot be fully processed until the required information is provided.
Registered voters may also update their address and change vital information in an existing registration record at the One-Stop Site, but they are not allowed to change their party affiliation during the One-Stop Voting period that precedes a partisan primary.
One Stop Voting Begins October 16th
In North Carolina you can register to vote and vote at all One Stop Voting sites across our state. To locate a One Stop Voting site near you please visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website.
Paul Longmore:Huffington Post Article on Disability Vote
Palin Talks About Special Needs Children, But Obama Has Substantive Plans For All People With Disabilities
Ever since Sarah Palin's acceptance speech, there has been a great deal of talk about "special needs" children but little about the issues that concern the 54 million Americans with disabilities of all ages. Pollsters and pundits almost completely ignore the tens of millions of voters in the disability rights constituency---adults with disabilities, family members, and many professionals---but they will play a much larger role in this election than most observers recognize. That makes understanding their issues important.
Palin's promise to be a "friend and advocate" for the families of children with disabilities has some parents understandably excited. In August, University of North Carolina researchers reported "chilling" rates of "hardship" among both middle class and poor families with disabled children as they struggle "to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, and to pay for needed health and dental care." Large numbers of adults with disabilities face the same hardships.
Even though 90% of the 54 Americans with disabilities are adults, Palin, John McCain, and the news media have talked almost exclusively about children. And that talk has been mostly about "compassion" not "issues." The McCain-Palin campaign website has a single page on "Americans with Disabilities for McCain," but it says nothing about policy positions. Other pages mention autism and disabled veterans but no other issues.
In contrast, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have said little on the campaign trail about disability issues but their campaign website provides detailed policy proposals in a comprehensive "Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities."
Here's a comparison of McCain-Palin's and Obama-Biden's stances on healthcare, health insurance, and social services for people with disabilities.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE:
Ever since Sarah Palin's acceptance speech, there has been a great deal of talk about "special needs" children but little about the issues that concern the 54 million Americans with disabilities of all ages. Pollsters and pundits almost completely ignore the tens of millions of voters in the disability rights constituency---adults with disabilities, family members, and many professionals---but they will play a much larger role in this election than most observers recognize. That makes understanding their issues important.
Palin's promise to be a "friend and advocate" for the families of children with disabilities has some parents understandably excited. In August, University of North Carolina researchers reported "chilling" rates of "hardship" among both middle class and poor families with disabled children as they struggle "to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, and to pay for needed health and dental care." Large numbers of adults with disabilities face the same hardships.
Even though 90% of the 54 Americans with disabilities are adults, Palin, John McCain, and the news media have talked almost exclusively about children. And that talk has been mostly about "compassion" not "issues." The McCain-Palin campaign website has a single page on "Americans with Disabilities for McCain," but it says nothing about policy positions. Other pages mention autism and disabled veterans but no other issues.
In contrast, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have said little on the campaign trail about disability issues but their campaign website provides detailed policy proposals in a comprehensive "Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities."
Here's a comparison of McCain-Palin's and Obama-Biden's stances on healthcare, health insurance, and social services for people with disabilities.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE:
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