What can you do if you show up to vote and learn you are not registered?

[Shadoobie]

What can you do if you show up to vote and learn you are not registered?

I moved to Minnesota last year and I registered and voted in the 2003 election. I assumed I would still be registered for this year. A couple of weeks ago, I got a notice from my teachers union saying that they cross checked their member list with the registered voter list and my name did not show up. I immediately reregistered.

Minnesota though does have a policy that allows you to register the day of the election.

From: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/election/faq.html#question7

"You can register at your polling place on election day. You will need one of the following to verify your residence.

* Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card, or receipt for one, with your current address,
* Tribal ID where authorized, with your current address
* If the Minnesota license or ID has a former address, you may bring a recent utility bill* to use with your license
* “Notice of Late Registration” postcard
* U.S. passport with utility bill*
* U.S. military photo ID card with utility bill*
* If you are a student, you can use...

- Student ID, registration, or fee statement with your current address
- Student photo ID with utility bill*
- Student ID if you are on a student housing list on file at the polling place

* Someone who is registered in the precinct where you live who will vouch for your residence

* Note: The utility bill must have your name, current address, and be due within 30 days of the election. Utility bills may be for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, or cable TV."
--snip--

With all the shenanigans going on, I plan on bringing some a additional proof of residence when I go to vote.

What can people in other states do to ensure their right to vote?

Greg

[shoelace414]

1. cast a provisional ballots?

[tridim]

5. That happened to me in 2002

I didn't think much about it at the time, but I've since heard that provisional ballots are often not counted. Verify your registration, it's the only way to be sure.

[crispini]

2. According to HAVA

if you think you are registered and you are not, you can cast a provisional ballot. I would bring as many forms of ID as possible and insist on casting some type of ballot.

However, election law varies WIDELY from state to state and from county to county. So YMMV.

[htuttle]

3. Wisconsin lets you register at the polls on election day as well

Same basic requirements: A picture ID and piece of corporate mail (like a utility bill) with your name and current address on it.

[sophie996]

4. provisional ballot

california provides for a provisional ballot--don't know about other states.

i've been registering voters, giving them a receipt and reminding them to hang on to it in case of question at polling place.

[AndyTiedye]

12. Federal Law Requires It

but some local officials seem to be ignoring the law.

[Dogmudgeon]

6. In most all states ...

... they have a judge at the county seat who will basically vouch for you if you can prove who you are and you meet the criteria for voting (age, residence, etc.).

There's a move toward same-day registration and voting, but guess who opposes it?

--bkl

[SudieJD]

7. You Can Register The Same Day You Vote In MN

I voted already. That's also something you can do in MN, vote early.
But you can still register.

Sudie in MN

[Love Bug]

8. Provisional Ballots by State

Here's a chart listing how provisional ballots are used by state. I'm gessing states that let you register on election day don't use them because they don't really need to.

http://www.electionline.org/site/docs/html/provisional_ballots.htm

[Ezlivin]

9. Exercise your right to keep and bear arms

If you show up to vote as part of a well-regulated militia, you should have no problem.

:)

Down here in Texas they have concealed weapons permits. A variety of businesses have posted signs outside warning that weapons are not allowed inside the building. But those signs are not posted outside of churches or polling places. Go figure....

[dubyaD40web]

10. Or you could register as a repug...

then vote for the dems.

I heard people in FL are registering as R's so they won't be f*cked with.

[Roy]

11. Don't forget......

to also look for one of the dem attorneys who will be observing the polls and can lend authority of law to any request you may have to make.