How to deal with long lines at the polls, making registration deadlines, and more.
A common chorus in American government is " If you do n’t vote , do n’t complain , " but the process of voting can be far gentle for some than others . geomorphological barriers keep many people from the polls regardless of how much they want to vote , deny them a fundamental right in American democracy .
A2020 canvass from FiveThirtyEight / Ipsosfound that the most coarse reasons multitude do n’t vote are often out of their ascendence , include long lines at their polling position , an unfitness to get off workplace or find out childcare , and not having shipping or being capable to get at their polling places . Missed deadline for voter adjustment were also an proceeds . Respondents who seldom or never voted were more probable to be lower income , under 35 geezerhood quondam , have lower levels of educational acquirement , and not identify with one fussy political company .
Thrillist linked up with Carolyn DeWitt , the president and executive director of RockTheVote , to discuss why these types of structural barrier stop people from voting , and what form of resource are useable to overcome them and help multitude exert their rudimentary right .
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Long Lines at Polling Places
The biggest ground that people of all old age , income bracket , and level of education do n’t vote is encountering long line at their polling station . Each election cycle , reports emerge from unlike parts of the country about mass being forced to look an 60 minutes or more to vote .
" Since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013 , yard of polling fix have been close down across the country , peculiarly in Black and brown region , " DeWitt told Thrillist . " These closures have led to long lines in some community of interests that make it more difficult for working families to couch a ballot . "
The in effect way to avoid recollective lines ? vote early . convention variegate by state , but most have at least one option to vote before election day either in individual , via mail , or through a ballot drop box . This takes out the shot , and allows you to be indisputable your vote will be cast and count . you may see body politic ’s options here .
Once you attain Election Day , lines are n’t something you’re able to put off . However , always remember that as long as you arrive at your polling place during its prescribed operating hour , you are still eligible to vote even if the communication channel extends beyond the closing time . If you suspect there will be a retentive delay , endeavor to make out prepared with things you may need during your hold .
Unable to Get Off Work or Find Childcare
There is no federal police requiring employer to give employee fourth dimension off to vote , something that can present a major obstruction for masses with long or unpredictable hr . calamitous and Hispanic hoi polloi in particular were more likely to report that they were unable to get off employment to vote . child care can also present a major hurdle , particularly when combined with long lines at the polling position .
The most important matter is to know your rights . Many states have some case of requirement for off clock time for vote , although the duration and pay necessity can vary . you may go toWorkplaceFairness.orgto get hold out what the police are in your area . If your problem does require off time to vote and it ’s denied by your employer , DeWitt suggested adjoin your state ’s Secretary of State office to report them . Thirty states have some form of legal penalty for employer in this berth .
There are fewer prescribed resources available for those without childcare , and DeWitt ’s suggestion was to try accessing vote by mail or early voting — which do n’t typically require the same kind of in - person fourth dimension committal — if child care is a major obstruction .
Missed Registration Deadlines
Although law in some states allow you toregister to vote the same day you shed your vote , others require registration far in advance . " This is a critical minute for all voter to check their elector registration status and confirm it is up to date with their current computer address before their state ’s elector registration deadline , " DeWitt explained .
If you ’re timid about when your state ’s voter registration deadlines are , you’re able to sign up foralerts based on your ZIP codefrom RockTheVote . The organization’sElection Centeris also a great position to stay up to day of the month on deadline in your arena . Remember , if you miss your elector registration deadline , you will not be able-bodied to participate in the election .
Can’t Find or Access Polling Places
Polling places can exchange from election to election , so even if you ’ve voted at the same localization for many age , it ’s always crucial to ensure you’reup to date on where you ’ll be casting your ballot . While many Americans take for granted that they ’ll be able-bodied to easily access their voting localisation , multitude without reliable access code to transportation or those who have disabilities can face additional hurdles .
If you do n’t have accession to expatriation , there are imagination available for you . RideShare2VoteandLyftare two places to look for help getting to and from your polling place . disablement can submit another challenge , whether it ’s physically access your polling post or being able-bodied to tramp your ballot .
" In all Union elections and most local elections , every polling place must tender at least one eccentric of accessible voting equipment , " DeWitt observe . " This allows voters with disabilities to vote directly or wait on them in score a newspaper ballot . Depending on the type of system , voters with disability may practice headphone or other assistive equipment to help them vote independently and secretly . It is proficient to plan early and call your local election clerk to assure your polling station is equipped with accessible machines or to describe another option . "
extremity agencies of theNational Disability Rights Networkcan help you with access issues you may happen in endeavor to vote .
Finally , it ’s important to remember that if you find your rightfulness to vote is being violated , you cancall ( 866 ) OUR - VOTE . The hotline will have lawyer available to answer election and voting - relate doubt and troubleshoot problems you may encounter .
