Everything you wanted to know about election law but were afraid to ask

Nathaniel and I caught a ride out to Fairfax last night for the first voter protection training, where we learned the ins and outs of election monitoring in Virginia. We snagged the last few seats in the packed conference room, and listened as the trainers and some veteran election monitors shared strategies and stories.

Voter identification was a hot topic of discussion. One experienced election monitor noted that in the past there had been confusion about picture IDs. Some voters without IDs were asked to vote with provisional ballots rather than using the machines.

The lowdown for voters? Bring ID to keep your life simple. However, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ID, YOU CAN AND SHOULD VOTE AT THE MACHINES. Unless you are a first time voter who registered by mail, you do not have to show picture identification. If you don’t have ID, you will probably be asked to sign a piece of paper that basically says, “Yes, that’s me!” But you do have a right to vote at the machines!

For Virginia voters, the good news is that election monitors will be out in full force on Election Day, passing out helpful materials and making sure every vote counts. Be sure to let them know if you have any concerns about your vote. You will know them by the steely, determined look in their eyes, not to mention their election monitor signs and buttons.

Do you have other advice for voters on election day? The more we learn, the better prepared all our monitors will be. Stay tuned here for more tips about voters’ rights!