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Vote on Tuesday; OCSEA staff, voter protection groups standing by to help

Nov. 1, 2004 (updated 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 2) - A federal appeals court has cleared the way for challengers to be present at polling places in Ohio, ruling early Tuesday morning that their presence on Election Day is allowed under state law.

Your vote will make a difference on Election Day, but only if you know your voting rights and only if you get to your polling location to cast your ballot tomorrow.

OCSEA members and staff have been canvassing neighborhoods and outside of workplaces to educate union members and others about voters' rights. Thousands of fliers and rear view mirror hangers have been distributed to remind people to vote on Nov. 2 and how to get help if someone interferes with their voting rights.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS  The polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. If you are standing in line at 7:30 p.m., you have a right to vote and cannot be turned away. Please take a photo ID to the polls in case it is requested.

Download and Print Voters Rights flier (PDF)

OCSEA's General Counsel will be available to answer legal questions regarding voters' rights. Call Sandra Bell at 614-865-4720, or toll free 800-266-5615, ext 4720.

GET THERE   John Porter, OCSEA Customer Service Director, is prepared to help you identify your correct voting precinct in Columbus, and direct you to resources to do the same in other parts of the state. Customer Service is also providing transportation information and helping members arrange rides to the polls.

Call OCSEA Customer Service at 888-OCSEA-11.

TAKE ACTION  If someone interferes with your right to vote, don't be turned around and end your day without exercising your right to vote. Report the problem quickly and get help right fast by:

1. Document it. Write down exactly what happened and the names of the people involved.

2. Call 1-866-MY-VOTE-1 or contact OCSEA headquarters, 800-266-5615 or 1-888-OCSEA-113.

3. Fill out the problem form at moveonpac.org

URGENT SITUATIONS   If you need immediate legal assistance, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. This is the "911" voter hotline for the Ohio Voter Protection Coalition and should only be used for serious problems.

See Related

REPORT VOTING PROBLEMS  Additional voter protection resources include:

• Democratic National Committee Voter Hotline Ohio 1-866-228-1452
• Ohio AFL-CIO for voter problems 614-224-8271
• Ohio Democratic Party Voter Protection Project 1-877-505-8683

find my polling place Contact your county board of elections office, the website below, or OCSEA Customer Service at 888-OCSEA-11.

• mypollingplace.com - this website may produce an error due to heavy traffic
• Complete contact information (PDF)
• Phone numbers only (PDF)
  

NEED A RIDE?  People may call OCSEA about how to get a ride to the polls.
In Franklin county and some surrounding areas, you may also call:

• Kerry Campaign: 614-449-0547.
• Franklin County Democratic party rides: 614-224-1193
• BREAD: 614-253-4323 for Franklin County
• ACT: 614-225-0553
  

Toledo: Call John Hall at 419-509-3627 after 2 p.m.

HELP FOR DISABLED VOTERS  People having problems accessing polling places or casting ballots because of their disabilities may call 1-800-282-9181 and press 9, or browse the Ohio Legal Rights Service website. View general information and voting-specific resources.