NAACP Officials Urge Voters to Avoid Election Day Pitfalls

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by Lesley R. Chinn

A projected 130 million voters areexpected to vote on Election Day. Thisincludes millions who are voting forthe first time.

While a vast majority may not haveany problems casting their ballots, theother half might run into problemswith machines that dont work properly,polling places without enoughmachines or just simply not havingtheir names registered in a database.

From then on, all the tools and equipmentnecessary for an individual tocast their vote legitimately must bepresent on Election Day. According toa TIME Magazine report, lines werelong in 2004 in Columbus, Ohiobecause of a lack of resources. It wasestimated that between 5,000 and15,000 voters gave up on waiting andnever voted.

Khalid Johnson, chairman of theWestside Branch NAACPs politicalaction committee, said while a lack ofresources shouldnt be an excuse forvoters not to vote, a greater responsibilitylies on a local election board tomake sure that the equipment is workingproperly, resources are available,and election judges are well trainedand qualified to help satisfy the voterturnout. There are going to be longlines on an election like this one wherethere are so many people who have forthe first time have turned out to vote. Ifwe properly plan [for this], then itshould make the process a lot easier,he stated.

Some states might require voters toleave their t-shirts or buttons or anyother paraphernalia supporting oropposing a candidate at home just toprevent electioneering. If youre inline, get rid of the t-shirt when you govote. Avoid the risk. We know thatthere will be poll workers and otherchallengers that could utilize theirauthority to challenge your voting,said Richard J. McIntire, NAACPNational spokesman. Theres alwayseffort in every election to disenfranchisevoters, but Johnson stated itshouldnt have a detrimental impact onthe process. The best thing for all ofus to do is vote. Every time we go andvote, we make a difference in how toimprove the process for the next time.

In the 1960s, numerous people sacrificed their lives when they marchedfrom Selma to Montgomery, Alabamajust to make it possible for todays generationand future ones to vote. Wehave to keep that more important at thecenter of our hearts because thats theresponsibility that we have, to makesure that this process goes accordingly,Johnson stated. Every time peoplevote, Johnson added, new leaderscould be elected to make laws that willhelp make a difference. If people tryto put up hurdles to keep you from voting,the turnout should be evenstronger. The more we do it, well seea change in how this process works.

McIntire said that people need to beempowered now so that when they goto the polls, they know what to expect.When they get to the polls, peoplesemotions can run high and they mightdecide not to vote. We want everythingto go smoothly.

In case voters feel like they are beingdisenfranchised at the polls, theNAACP suggests calling 1-866-Our-Vote for assistance.

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