From Progress Virginia:
Election Protection Hotline Open For Virginia Voting Questions
Toll-Free Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) Available Now; Providing Assistance through Election Day
Virginia—Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, is providing live assistance for voters in Virginia leading up to and including Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 7.
“Voting is a fundamental part of our rights as Americans and every eligible voter should be able to cast a regular ballot,” Anna Scholl, Executive Director of Progress Virginia Education Fund said. “The Election Protection hotline is an important resource for voters who face questions or problems at the polls. Anyone who needs assistance exercising their right to vote between now and Election Day should call 1 (866) OUR- VOTE.”
“Around the country, we are witnessing racially heated and charged rhetoric, and other polarizing activity that underscore the need for vigilance to ensure that all eligible voters are able to freely cast their ballots,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “We are committed to lifting the barriers and addressing any obstacles to ensure that all voters are able to freely participate in our democracy. The 866-OUR-VOTE hotline helps to ensure access to the ballot box for all.”
Election Protection volunteers are available to assist Virginia voters with issues, problems, or questions that arise in the voting process. Voters may call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST with any questions or issues that may arise. Spanish-speaking voters may seek bilingual assistance through the 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) hotline from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. For assistance in several Asian languages, voters can leave a voicemail at 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) and a trained volunteer will return their call as soon as possible. The hotline will also be open on Election Day itself to assist voters with any questions they may have. In 2016 alone, Election Protection received over 120,000 calls from voters from around the country, and the hotline will continue to serve as a resource for voters year-round.
Virginia voters can cast their absentee ballots this week, eliminating the need to stand in line on Election Day. In-person absentee voting in Virginia ends on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 5 p.m. Absentee ballots sent through the mail must be received by the local registrar by 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Polls are open on Election Day from 6am to 7pm. Anyone in line when the polls close may cast a regular ballot. Eligible voters must present a valid photo I.D. in order to vote in Virginia. For information on valid I.D.s or how to obtain a photo voter identification card, visit www.GotIDVirginia.org
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