Washblog

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"Must Know" Voting Rights links

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Canivote.org
This site, maintained by the National Association of Secretaries of State, allows people in any state to verify that they are registered to vote. Given widespread Republican efforts to disenfranchise voters, parents of college students like me - or anyone with friends and family out of state, will find this useful. In Washington State you can verify your voting status here

Criminal Convictions Can I vote questionnaire of ACLU of Washington.
Those of us doing GOTV work in the days before the election - or who have prior felonies or know people who do - should understand that the right to vote was restored to an estimated 167,000 Washingtonians with prior felonies in 2009.  We should be able to direct people to resources where they can verify this for themselves.

In Washington State, anyone with a prior criminal conviction - state or federal - can vote, as long as he or she is no longer under state supervision.  As ACLU of Washington explained in its explanation of the new law: "Under the reform measure, individuals can register to vote once they're no longer under state-supervised parole or probation. Individuals will still have to repay their debts, but - like anyone else who owes money - they will not be denied the right and duty to vote."

Washington Secretary of State voter registration deadline page
Many people don't know that, although the deadline for mail voter registration has passed, in-person registration is open through October 29.

Now for the excellent list from League of Women Voters of Washington.

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Reprint of League of Women Voters of Washington email

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"Here are a few of our favorite nonpartisan voter resources:

Vote 411
 Launched this year, our newest voter website is a one-stop-shop for all your election needs. Features voting FAQs, a personalized ballot, local forums and candidate profiles. All candidates in Washington received a questionnaire. Don't see a reply? We encourage you to contact them and request their participation -- it's not too late!

Living Voters' Guide
Presented by the University of Washington and CityClub, this award-winning website takes voting social. Take your community's pulse on the ballot measures and join in the discussion. Now with fact-checking by Seattle Public Library staff!

LWVWA/KCTS 9 Forums
Questions about marijuana legalization? Charter schools? All 10 forums in our 2012 Debate Series with KCTS 9 are available for viewing online. Races include the Secretary of State, Supreme Court and Lt. Governor, as well as the first televised Senatorial debate.

VotingForJudges.org
This website has been taking the mystery out of judicial elections since 2006. Covers all judicial races in Washington.

Your County Elections Office
Find local voting information, ballot drop box locations and more. First time Washington voters may register in person until October 29. You may also request voting assistance such as audio and large-print ballots. In-person help, translation services and sip-and-puff machines may also be available.

Your Local League  is also an excellent resource."