Reform Institute, October 30, 2008
Guide for Navigating the Polls Released
Checklist Helps Prepare and Inform Voters for Election Day
WASHINGTON, DC – The Reform Institute, a non-partisan public policy organization, today released a checklist to assist
voters in casting their ballots. The checklist provides helpful tips for voters, especially those going to the polls for
the first time, to facilitate a voting process free of complications.
“Election officials predict record voter turnout on November 4, including a substantial number of new voters,” stated
Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. “With the high level of interest in this election and so many
first time voters getting involved, it is essential that the voting goes as smoothly as possible. The checklist, along
with the 877-GO-CNN-08 voter hotline, can be a vital resource to voters as they prepare to go to the polls.”
The checklist is available at http://www.reforminstitute.org/uploads/publications/Voter_Checklist_Final.pdf. The
checklist provides straightforward and valuable advice for voters, including:
Know where your polling place is in advance
Confirm your voter registration before heading to the polls
Know your ballot in advance
Bring identification with you where necessary
Try voting during non-peak hours or consider alternative means of voting
Ask to vote a provisional ballot if you are not allowed to vote a regular ballot
Have the 877-GO-CNN-08 number handy
“Informing voters will empower them to head to the polls with confidence and help ensure that their voices are heard in
this critical election,” added Ms. Martinez. Voter assistance hotlines in recent elections have demonstrated that the
lack of basic information is the greatest barrier to voting. The overwhelming majority of calls are from voters seeking
to ascertain their polling location or to inquire as to their registration status.
Voters calling 877-GO-CNN-08 (877-462-6608) can find where to vote using the automated polling place locator. The
hotline can also transfer callers to their local elections offices to ask questions such as confirming registration
status.
Getting the proper information before Election Day will be beneficial because elections authorities will be swamped on
November 4. Voters in most cases can also obtain information such as polling place location and hours and registration
status by visiting the website of their state or local elections board.
Callers to the toll-free hotline can also record messages reporting problems at the polls. Real-time updates on voting
problems based on calls to the hotline will be available throughout Election Day at http://www.reforminstitute.org.
The 877-GOCNN08 national hotline is now active and will remain so through November 4. The hotline also has Spanish
language capabilities.
The Reform Institute has been a leader in advancing reforms that promote open and fair elections and enhance
transparency and accountability in the political process.
ENDS
The Reform Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit educational organization working to strengthen the foundations
of our democracy and build a resilient society. The Institute formulates and advocates valuable, solutions-based reform
in vital areas of public policy, including homeland and national security, energy and environmental progress, economic
opportunity and competitiveness, immigration policy, and governance and election reform. Visit our website at
www.reforminstitute.org.