GET OUT THE VOTE and be prepared to assist and encourage voters on Tuesday. Advertise polling hours prominently on your website and in your lobby. It's also not too late to download a "Vote November 6th" poster. Voters are more likely to participate if they believe turnout will be high, and your reminders can convince people to head to the polls.
Below are some links to help equip voters with the information necessary to ensure they successfully cast a ballot:
Check Voter Registration Status
Prevent voters from being turned away by helping them verify if and where they are registered. Contact your local election offices to confirm registrations. Visit the California Secretary of State's website here for a link to your local county registrar/clerk.
Find the Right Polling Place
The 2012 Google Poll Finder tool uses official information from state elections offices and Secretaries of State to provide voters with current voting information. Type in your address to find your polling place and directions. Use the Ballot Summary Menu Bar to view candidates for president, Congress, and the state legislature.
- Embed the tool on your website to raise the profile of the election.
- Share the link with your audience.
- Set up a computer in your lobby to allow voters to check their voting information.
You can also visit your local county registrar/clerk's website to locate your designated polling location here or visit www.smartvoter.org for information about all contests and candidates on your ballot and where you vote.
Voter Guides and Sample Ballots:
Check out our 2012 Voter Resources page on our website for links to the official Secretary of State Official Voter Information Guide, nonpartisan analyses about each of the Ballot Propositions from the Legislative Analyst's Office, as well as links to news sources and the League of Women Voters' Easy Voter Guide. We've also compiled voter guides published by trusted nonprofit organizations, including CalNonprofits and Mobilize the Immigrant Vote Action Fund.
Know Your Rights
Remind people that they can cast a provisional ballot if they are a registered voter, but their name cannot be found on the voting rolls, or if a voter is unable to make it back to their local polling place before the polls close. Californians can always cast their vote with a provisional ballot at any polling place in the state. See below for more information about the California Voter Bill of Rights.
Election Protection Hotlines:
If voters experience any difficulties at the polls or become aware of any election fraud or misconduct, national hotlines are standing by to assist voters. These hotlines are great resources if voters have trouble casting their ballots or just need basic information about voting.
To learn more about voting under special circumstances, including information about Voting with a Disability or Voting as an Ex-Offender, visit our Voting in California page on our website, or browse additional 2012 election tools and resources from our national partner, Nonprofit VOTE.
