This week on The Local Take I speak with Helen Butler, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda. I was referred to Helen by the League of Women Voters. I reached out to them after encountering long lines on the first day of early voting for the rescheduled June 9 Party Primaries and nonpartisan/special elections.
I ask her every question I can think of about voting June 9.
If you have any challenge trying to vote Butler advises that to call the Toll Free Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683. You can also call their office at 404-653-1199.
If you are a senior over the age of 65 you should let the poll workers know this and they should allow you to vote without standing in line.
She shares that if you voted during the early voting period in March, that vote counts and your ballot will not list the presidential candidates. She encourages everyone to request an absentee ballot, or to vote during the early voting period. By doing this you make sure that your vote is counted.
I asked about researching candidates, especially judges which often run un-opposed. She mentions the Georgia Bar Association which rates judges base on their record. Additionally there is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group call Project Vote Smart which tracks thousands of candidates across the country.
I asked several questions about the absentee ballot process. The instructions ask that you remove the top stub, if you forget she assures me that your ballot will not be invalidated. Additionally there is usually a smaller envelope that your ballot goes in, before placing it in the "yellow" stripped envelope. This year due to the number of request they ran out of the smaller envelopes and most ballots have a sheet of paper which is folded. She cautions us not to staple or tape this paper, just fold it with your ballot and mail.
It is best to use black or blue ink, but she mentions that your ballot will not be thrown out if you use the wrong color.
Butler shares that her organization along with the League of Women Voters are hosting virtual events with candidates. This provides the community with another chance to engage before voting.
For more information about the Georiga Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda