Friday, September 19, 2008

 

August 25, 2008

Contact:  Contact Councilman Mitchell at 404-330-6052 or at ccmitchell@atlantaga.gov

Exercise Your Right to Vote
Register, Stay Informed and Let Your Voice be Heard

Dear Fellow Atlantan,
 
During the next three years you will have the opportunity to elect your next United States President, Mayor of Atlanta, Governor of Georgia and other public officials.  If you desire representation that embodies your principles, values and beliefs, then it is imperative you register to vote and exercise your right on Election Day.  This is especially true for young men and women who will be voting for the first time.  Voting is democracy put into action.  It was President Lyndon B. Johnson who said "the vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men."
 
As well, I ask that all places of worship, academic institutions, civic associations, unions, fraternities and sororities and other organizations register their fellow members and start voter registration drives in their respective neighborhoods.  Remember, voter registration drives must be nonpartisan meaning you cannot endorse a party or candidate while registering voters.  The Federal Election Commission requires a sign be posted or a written notice be available for registrants stating "Our voter registration services are available without regard to voters' political preference."

Afterwards, make sure all registration forms are properly returned to the county or state election office either in person or by mail.  October 6, 2008 is the last day you can register to vote for the upcoming General Election.
 
Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections 
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 4075
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3444
Telephone: (404) 730-7020
Fax: (404) 730-7024


DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections

4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300

Decatur, Georgia 30032

Telephone: (404) 298-4020

Fax: (404) 298-4038

 

Elections Division

Georgia Secretary of State

2 Martin Luther King Drive, S.E.

West Tower, Suite 315
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1505

Telephone: (404) 656-2871

Fax: (404) 651-9531 
 
Below are statutes highlighting your rights as an eligible voter in Georgia and some websites to better inform you about the electoral process.
 
An informed community is an empowered community!
 
I will see you at the polls.

cmsign

Ceasar C. Mitchell


 

"Leadership, Integrity, and Service.  It is what you expect, it is what you deserve."

Ceasar C. Mitchell

 

BILL OF RIGHTS FOR GEORGIA VOTERS
 
1. On Election Day, each polling place opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. If you are in line at the polling place when the polls close at 7:00 pm, then YOU CAN STILL VOTE in the election. Georgia Code Annotated §§ 21-2-403, 413(g) (2002). The polls are open until 8:00 p.m. in Atlanta Id. § 21-2-403. 

 2. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE IDENTIFICATION with you on Election Day. If you do not have any form of identification, you must sign a form under oath swearing or affirming that you are the person identified on your voter certificate. Id. § 21-2-418

 3. If you are a first time voter who registered by mail and you do not have identification and you did not include a copy of your identification with your application, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE BY PROVISIONAL BALLOT. Id. § 21-2-417(b)

 4. If you cannot read English, or you are blind or disabled, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE from anyone you choose except your employer, your employer's agent or an officer or representative of your union. Id. §21-2-409(b)(1). This provision only applies if a federal candidate is on the ballot.

5. Between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Election Day, IF YOU ARE 75 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR YOU ARE DISABLED AND REQUIRE ASSISTANCE IN VOTING, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE without waiting in line. Id. § 21-2-409.1

 6. If you move to a different county or municipality after the fifth Monday prior to Election Day, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN YOUR OLD PRECINCT. Id. § 21-2-218(e)

 7. If you make a mistake or "spoil" your ballot and have not cast the ballot, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT BALLOT after returning the spoiled ballot to a poll officer. Id. § 21-2-433(b)

 8. NO PERSON MAY ELECTIONEER, TRY TO INFLUENCE YOUR VOTE, ASK YOU TO SIGN A PETITION OR SOLICIT YOU IN ANY WAY when you are standing in line within 25 feet of a polling place. Id. § 21-2-414

 9. If you have been convicted of a crime, but have completed your sentence, including any period of probation or parole, and have registered to vote since that time, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE. Id. § 21-2-216(b)

 10. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to bring your child under the age of 18 into the voting booth as long as they are not disruptive or interfere with the voting process, or operate the voting machine. Id. § 21-2-413(f)

 11. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE DURING THE WORK DAY, unless you begin work after 9:00 a.m. or end work at 5:00 p.m. (or 6:00 p.m. in Atlanta). Id. § 21-2-404
 
IMPORTANT WEBSITES
 
Federal Election Commission
National Voter Application
Georgia Voter Information Guide
Voter Application

Absentee Voting Information
Deputy Registrar Schedule

Photo ID (To obtain a FREE Voter Identification Card contact your county registrar's office)