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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Robyn Shepherd, (212) 519-7829 or 549-2666; media@aclu.org

ACLU Launches Voter Empowerment Program

Effort Includes Cards Advising Voters Of Basic Rights And Emergency Contacts On Election Day

ATLANTA

The
American Civil Liberties Union launched its 2010 voter empowerment
program today. As part of this effort, ACLU affiliates have distributed
voter education materials in 19 states that inform voters of their
rights on Election Day and how to avoid problems when casting a ballot.

"The ACLU is working hard to ensure
that all voters' rights are protected and that every vote is counted on
November 2," said Fred McBride, Redistricting Project Coordinator with
the ACLU Voting Rights Project. "There is just too much at stake for
people to be denied their right to choose their leaders."

The cards, which are being distributed by ACLU state affiliates and are available for download at

www.aclu.org/voter,
summarize the basic state and federal laws pertaining to every voter
and list emergency contact numbers for voters to call if they encounter
problems at the polls. The cards also provide answers to common
questions such as: Where do I vote? Is identification required? How can I
minimize potential problems?

Voter education materials have been
created for voters in 19 states, including Arizona, California,
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri,
Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Voters can report complaints on a
wide range of elections issues - including equipment malfunctions,
access to the polls and discriminatory or illegal election practices -
by calling the ACLU toll-free help line: (877) 523-2792. Many states
will also have information about voting with a criminal conviction
available.

"With Election Day right around the
corner, we are pleased to offer an important tool to help people
exercise their fundamental right to vote," said Laughlin McDonald,
Director of the ACLU Voting Rights Project. "You never know what might
happen at the polls - that's why voters must be as informed as
possible."

Through a multi-pronged effort of
litigation and legislative advocacy, the ACLU is on the front lines
fighting the important constitutional battle to protect voting rights.
The ACLU has challenged voter suppression efforts throughout the
country, including unlawful voter purges and photo identification laws.

To download the voter empowerment cards, go to:

www.aclu.org/voter

Voter empowerment cards optimized for mobile devices are available at:

mobile.aclu.org/voter/

A video with 10 tips for Election Day is at:

www.aclu.org/voting-rights/always-practice-safe-voting

The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in 1920 and is our nation's guardian of liberty. The ACLU works in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

(212) 549-2666