Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
1401 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005

For Immediate ReleaseL February 8, 2009
Contacts:
Kim Alton
(202) 662-8600
kalton@lawyerscommittee.org

Election Protection Ready to Provide Voter Assistance During Upcoming Presidential Primaries

(Washington, DC) February 8, 2008 – Election Protection, the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition, will be available to assist Primary Election Day voters with questions and to ensure that all voters know their rights. A toll-free number (1-866-OUR-VOTE) will be available all day for voters to call in with any questions or issues that may arise at the polling areas.

On Feb. 12, trained volunteers will be staffing the hotline to provide voters with free assistance if they encounter any problems at the polls. In addition, volunteers will be at selected polling sites and available to intervene in person or place telephone calls to the appropriate election official.

The toll-free number is available to any voters who need information, assistance or need guidance in understanding their rights. It is open to the entire voting public, but targets historically disenfranchised communities, including Hispanic, African American and low-income communities.

In 2000, millions of Americans, primarily those in minority communities, were denied their right to vote. The Election Protection coalition was formed in response to these issues. Election Protection guides voters through the voting process, helping to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast a meaningful ballot and have their vote counted.

During the 2004 election cycle, Election Protection mobilized 25,000 trained volunteers, including 8,000 legal volunteers, to monitor polling places, educate voters, facilitate a dialogue with local and state election officials, provide legal support to poll monitors, and answer the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline. The hotline received over 200,000 calls from voters in all 50 states. Although the program was smaller in 2006, it was more efficient. By incorporating new strategies and new partners, EP evolved into a year-round, one stop shop for voter support, information, and assistance. The hotline received more than 26,000 calls in October and November from voters in 48 states and the District of Columbia, including 17,964 on Election Day.

For more information about Election Protection and the Our Vote hotline, please visit: www.866ourvote.org.

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