Suggested Reforms
In the heat of a campaign season, election administration is often entangled with partisan interests. As a result, the case for improving the voting system to ensure that Americans can exercise their most basic right is sacrificed for political considerations. Over the last decade, millions of Americans have been disenfranchised by a shortage of resources, administrative snafus, the misinterpretation of voting laws and political operatives who tried to game the system. That's millions of votes not cast, millions of Americans denied a voice. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle must improve the process before the same unnecessary outcome affects voters in the next election cycle. Action should be taken early - outside of the rancor of an election season - to address the problems votes face and provide needed resources and relieve to the nation's dedicated election officials
Resources for Voters and the Home Mortgage Crisis
In response to requests from voters and coalition partners, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is in the process of creating factsheets to address questions relating to voting and foreclosures. Click "Read more" for completed fact sheets, and more will be added so check back soon!
Paraphernalia at the Polls
You may have received an email or heard a rumor that it is illegal to wear political paraphernalia such as t-shirts and buttons and that, if you wear political gear, you will be prohibited from entering the polling place to vote. Laws on this subject vary from state to state and are often confusing. This confusion is most pronounced at the polling place, where poll workers may not know, what, if anything, they should do if a voter wears political paraphernalia to the polling place. Though there are certainly First Amendment concerns about preventing Americans from expressing their political choices, it may be easiest for voters to not wear t-shirts, buttons or other apparel that supports or opposes a candidate or an initiative.
Voter Purges
Student Voting
Straight Ticket Voting
Election Protection has become aware of emails circulating regarding straight-ticket voting rules, with some claiming that voters must take certain actions to ensure that their votes will count. These emails may claim to have been “verified” through Snopes.com or other websites, but they leave out critical information and can confuse voters.