Italy High School

Principle:

The right to vote is perhaps the most basic and fundamental of all the rights guaranteed by the U.S. democratic form of government. Implicit in that right is the right to have one’s vote count and the right to have as nearly perfect an election proceeding as can be provided.

Recommendations:
 

Example of Best Practices:

Voter Rights*

Registered voters have the right to:

1. Vote and have the vote accurately counted.
2. Cast a vote if in line at the designated poll closing time.
3. Ask for and receive assistance in voting.
4. Receive replacement ballots if a mistake is made prior to the ballot being cast.
5. Receive an explanation if their registration is in question.
6. Cast a provisional ballot if their registration is in question.
7. Prove their identity if an election official doubts the voter’s identity.
8. Receive written instructions to use when voting and, upon request, oral instructions on voting from election officials.
9. Vote free from coercion or intimidation by election officials or any other person.
10. Vote with equipment that is in working condition and that will allow votes to be accurately cast.
11. Expect government to fulfill its responsibilities with regard to voter education.
12. Expect a sufficient number of properly trained election day workers.
13. Cast a vote in a barrier-free environment regardless of any physical disability.
14. Be treated with courtesy by election officials.

Voter Responsibilities*

Registered voters have the responsibility to:

1. Make informed choices about candidates and issues.
2. Exercise the right to vote.
3. Keep their voter registration information current.
4. Know their voting precinct and the hours of operation.
5. Bring proper identification to the polling place as required by law.
6. Know how to operate voting equipment properly.
7. Treat election day workers with courtesy.
8. Respect the privacy of other voters.
9. Report problems with the process or violations of election law.
10. Ask questions when confused.
11. Check completed ballot for accuracy.

Resource Material:

Overview

In election reform legislation passed by the Florida legislature in the 2001 session, a Voter’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities was included. The outline of rights and responsibilities was compiled using recommendations from the Florida Governor’s Select Task Force. Various items addressed in the Florida Voter’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities--such as a voter’s responsibility to keep registration records updated--are dispersed throughout many state statutes. Few, if any, states have developed a list like Florida’s. Some states require that instructions for voters be posted at poll sites. These instructions often include voting procedures and expectations and responsibilities of voters. Examples of items found in voter instructions include:

• How to obtain assistance when voting, and
• How to obtain a ballot and vote without outside influence.

Other Task Force Reports

The NACo/NACRC National Commission on Election Standards and Reformrecommended that:

Revitalizing Democracy in Florida: The Governor’s Select Task Force on Election Procedures, Standards and Technology recommended that:

2001 Legislative Action

Legislation addressing voter rights and responsibilities was introduced in five states. Examples of legislation that passed include:

• Florida required the Secretary of State to set standards for voter education and county election supervisors to implement voter education. The programs should include but not be limited to education on registration, polling place, absentee balloting procedures, voter rights and responsibilities, sample ballots and public service announcements.

• Texas established a hotline for the reporting of an existing or potential abuse of voter rights.