The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is setting up an Election Day hotline to answer voter questions if they have problems at the polls.

The group typically does this, but note that we posted  earlier today that registrars are warning that a sluggish computer system could cause problems on Tuesday with voter verification.

Here’s the full release from the ACLU, along with the hotline number:

The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia will answer questions from voters who encounter problems at the polls on Election Day, and is prepared to advocate on behalf of voters whose rights have been abridged, including providing legal representation if necessary.

For the last dozen years, the ACLU of Virginia and the Virginia NAACP have jointly produced and disseminated thousands of pocket-sized cards describing voters’ rights, and each organization operates an Election Day hotline. The ACLU hotline number is (804) 644-8080. Emails sent to acluva@acluva.org will also be answered.

“Voting should be simple,” said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Kent Willis, “but there are always problems on Election Day. Most stem from a combination of voters not knowing their rights and poll workers not being as forthcoming or knowledgeable as they should be about election law.”

“Our main advice to voters is to check their registration status and polling place in advance of Election Day and to carry identification with them to the polls,” said Willis. “But they shouldn’t be deterred from voting even if they’ve lost or forgotten their identification or are unsure of their registration status. They simply need to know what questions to ask and what forms they need when they arrive at the polls.”

Advice the ACLU will be giving to voters is likely to include what to do if:

– they have lost or do not have identification with them

– they are told they are not on the registration rolls after arriving at the polls

– they make a mistake while completing their ballot

– their vote is challenged by someone else

– they cannot physically access the polling place

– they are told they cannot vote because they are wearing political attire

Voter Empowerment Cards

The Voters’ Rights Cards, available in English and Spanish, may be viewed or downloaded at www.acluva.org, or picked up at the ACLU office in Richmond.