November 3, 2020
Two weeks from today is voting day in one of the most contentious elections in recent memory. There are rumors, threats, information, disinformation, confusion and throughout the country people are voting, trying to vote, mailing ballots, losing ballots, standing in line, waiting, and not waiting. So much confusion. In some parts of the country there are threats of voter intimidation, restrictions, long lines and weariness.
Here is some information that might help you – or others you know who may live in other parts of the country to feel safe, know what your rights are and ensure your vote is counted.
How your ballot could be rejected.
Not a great thought, but it is happening. Unlikely in northern New Jersey and New York, but who knows. The New York Times has a detailed report on 5 ways your ballot could be rejected in a broad guideline for the country. Key points:
- Signature irregularities – if your sample doesn’t match your present signature, if the slant is wrong, etc. Make sure you sign it!
- Missing information – make sure everything that needs filling in is filled in
- Make sure you fill the bubble in completely
- If you are’t going to the polls get you ballot in by the deadline
Most important point – whether you vote in person or not – follow the instruction carefully.
Find the full article here. This maybe behind a paywall but you can read 5 non-covid articles free, so try. (Note: All NYTimes coverage of the coronavirus is fully accessible to everyone)
Voter Intimidation
It’s happening. Not necessarily in Upper Saddle River, and maybe not obviously but it still is worth knowing your rights.
Georgetown Law has information on your rights incase you encounter armed people near your polling station. For every state there are clear guidelines about what is / is not allowed, and what you can and should do. Probably of little interest or use in this area but if you have friends or family in other locations it might be worth knowing.
How to make sure your vote is counted
CNET has a useful article helping to ensure your vote gets done and counted. They also include information on where you can track your ballot to ensure it has arrived.
ProPublic with Pew Research also has information on making sure you vote gets counted. It includes links to local election officials with phone numbers.
Voters in New Jersey can use Track My Ballot to do just that.
Finally, a one stop place to get all the information you can need is at Vote.org. They have answers to virtually everything.
One stop voter information sources
866 Our Vote – especially if you have problems voting – Phone number is 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Another excellent overview from NYTimes on what you need to know on how to vote by mail, in person, early.