County Democrats Urge Early Voting

Monday, October 15, 2012

With early voting set to begin Wednesday, the Hamilton County Democratic Party is urging voters "to get to the polls before it ends to protect their right to vote."

 “If people have a problem voting, they can find out and potentially correct it before Nov. 6,” said HCDP Chairman Paul Smith. “Many people remain unaware of the new voter ID restrictions. Additionally, some precincts have been changed or closed, confusing voters even further.”

Mr. Smith said, as it did in the primary, the HCDP will field poll watchers who will help to protect voters’ rights. “There were some problems in the primary,” he said. “The poll watchers and our legal team will be available to make sure everyone who is eligible to vote, can.”

Mr. Smith also expressed "ongoing concerns about whether all the new voter registrations submitted to the Election Commission will be processed before Nov. 6." He said, "People who have not received their cards should call the Election Commission to check on the status. But we also want people to be aware they do not need to have their voter registration card to vote. If you are in the system, and you present one of the legal forms of ID, as stated by the law, you must be allowed to vote.”

The HDCP is also providing two numbers for people to call who need rides to the polls: (706) 944-2128 and (706) 944-1057. “Despite the prefix, anyone in Hamilton County can call either of these numbers, and they will be connected with someone who can offer them a ride to the polls,” Mr. Smith stated.

For more information, voters can contact the HCDP headquarters at (423)
266-4125.


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