Saturday, May 17, 2008

Democracy in action

Younger...older...Black...White...Hispanic...American citizens...non-American citizens...We all came together so that we could be deputized to register people to vote.

The Dallas County Elections department brought out an electronic voting booth as well as a paper ballot system so that we could all see and practice voting and gain an understanding of the process.


We learned that...

...people who are out of prison and "off papers" do not have to wait to vote in Texas.




...although you have to be an American citizen to vote, you don't have to be a citizen to register voters.

...the elections department can take the electronic ballot to someone's car if they are elderly or disabled so they don't even have to get out of their car.

...someone in Iraq can register and vote if they go to a certain place (I forget the name and will need to find that out...but I know they can register and vote from wherever they are stationed).

...we can advocate for our candidate of choice while registering people as long as we don't refuse anyone the right to register because they don't agree with us.

...it is important to make sure the registration cards are filled out completely and are readable so that they will be sure to get their voter registration card.


...it is important to make sure your address is up-to-date and that you know your precinct so your voice is sure to be counted in November.

...after the November election Texas will be requiring an ID to vote...so we need to start preparing people for that and figuring out ways to help people get IDs so their voice will be counted.

We now have 17 people registered and equipped to register others to vote.

If you would like the Dallas County Elections department to deputize your group and to provide you with excellent information and answers to any of your questions about voting education and rights, feel free to contact them and they will come to you as long as you have a minimum of 15 people; otherwise, you can go to them at 2377 North Stemmons Frwy, Suite 820. Contact Toni Pippins-Poole at 214-819-6334.

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