Arming Voters with Information Best Defense Against Confusion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               Contact:        Kelly Ceballos

www.VOTE411.org                                                                                         202-263-1331

November 5, 2012                                                                                            [email protected]

 ARMING VOTERS WITH INFORMATION BEST DEFENSE AGAINST CONFUSION

League’s VOTE411.org Provides Comprehensive Election Information

Washington, DC – The League of Women Voters has been and continues to be on the front lines of democracy. “We’ve fought restrictive voting laws – with great success - over the past few years,” said Elisabeth MacNamara, national League President. “Ultimately, our goal is an electoral process that is open to all and is free, fair and accessible.”

“As we prepare for Election Day 2012 tomorrow,” added MacNamara, “we are worried that in the wake of our success against attempts to keep eligible voters out of the process in most states, voter confusion could perhaps be left in its place.” 

“In places like Wisconsin, where our state League and other voting rights groups sued and successfully kept a restrictive voter ID requirement off the books for this election, voters and poll workers alike may be confused about what they need to do and have with them on Election Day,” MacNamara noted.

“In Pennsylvania, voters are not required to show photo ID law on Tuesday but the law will be considered again after the 2012 elections.  Confusing ads run by the state alerted voters that they could still be asked for ID on November 6^th even though they didn’t need to show one.  This is not the way to run an election and a judge agreed asking the state to stop such ads that could contribute to voter confusion at the polls.”

“Similar scenarios have been playing out in key battleground states over the past few weeks and months,” MacNamara said. “What we have been trying to do is arm voters with the information they need. Visit the League’s election resource www.VOTE411.org to find your polling place, general and state-specific information on early voting, absentee balloting, voting requirements and candidate information.”  Multiple studies have shown that many potential voters stay home on Election Day not due to lack of interest, but rather lack of basic information about voting. Lack of knowledge is a particularly major factor contributing to lower voting rates among young Americans, minorities, those without college degrees, and Americans living overseas.

“This may be the most important election of our lifetime,” urged MacNamara.  “Our future is on the line: jobs and economic stability, the health of our families, the sustainability of our environment and quality education.”

In keeping with the organization’s 92-year-old tradition, League volunteers nationwide have registered tens of thousands of new voters this year and are now promoting important educational information through printed and online voters’ guides and hundreds of local and state candidate debates. The League has also advocated tirelessly for fair, free and accessible elections for all voters and will be watching conditions closely on Election Day.  Contact Kelly Ceballos at [email protected] to find out more or to schedule an interview.

 “Like” the League’s VOTE411 on Facebook.   Follow us on Twitter: @VOTE411. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  VOTE411.org is the place to go for the election information you need.