ACLU Explains Voters’ Rights in English, Spanish and Creole
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 21, 2008
CONTACT:
Brandon Hensler, Director of Communications, media@aclufl.org
MIAMI – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida today announced statewide distribution of palm-sized 2008 Voter Empowerment Cards in English, Spanish and Creole to provide answers to frequently asked questions as Election Day approaches. The cards are available at the ACLU of Florida’s state and regional offices as well as through local chapters.
“Voters have many questions as early voting begins and as we get closer to Election Day,” said Muslima Lewis, senior attorney and Director of the ACLU of Florida’s Racial Justice and Voting Rights Projects. “These palm cards provide useful information for voters before they go to the polls, and are a great tool to take to the polls in case a voter encounters a situation that he or she is not sure how to handle.”
The goal of the empowerment cards is to ensure that all Florida voters know their legal rights. The “2008 Florida Voter Empowerment Card” answers questions such as where to vote and what identification to bring to the polls. These cards give voters important information about their rights and responsibilities, and address common issues (such as identification requirements and challenge procedures) that have previously interfered with individuals exercising their right to vote.
The cards also include phone numbers that voters can call if they experience any problems while voting. Voters can report complaints on a wide range of elections issues – including equipment malfunctions, access to the polls and discriminatory and/or illegal election practices – by calling the ACLU toll-free help line: 1-877-523-2792 or by calling the Election Protection toll free hotline at 866-Our-Vote. Voters are also encouraged to contact their local election supervisors.
The voter empowerment cards are also available on the ACLU of Florida website at: www.aclufl.org.
If you or your organization would like to distribute the free Voter Empowerment Cards, please send an email request to lodom@aclufl.org with your name, address, and number of cards (in English, Spanish and/or Creole) you would like.
About the ACLU of Florida
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For additional information, visit our Web site at: www.aclufl.org.
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