This week on The Local Take we're talking voting in 2020. I reached out to Helen Butler, Executive Director of The People's Agenda, an organization started by the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery.
In the middle of a Pandemic, with misinformation coming from the highest offices in our country, where can the public turn for the truth? Can we vote by mail when the new postmaster general has begun to dismantle the United States Postal Service? Can we safely vote in person when our state is known around the world for voter suppression and election stealing? My own 80 year old Dad waited over 2.5 hours to vote during the primary season. I reached out to Helen Butler who I began to work with after my father’s dilemma.
Here is what she wants you know:
If you are 65 and over, you do not have to wait in line. Speak with a poll worker so that you can access the polling place without waiting.
If you are not yet registered to vote, the deadline is October 5th - Register to Vote here.
If you are already registered and planning to vote via absentee ballot the deadline is in mid-October. but due to postal service delays and many people not receiving their ballots in time during the primary season, please request an Absentee Ballot now. Absentee Ballots started going out in the mail on September 15th.
If you want to vote early in Georgia the dates are October 12 - October 30th. Locations and early poll hours vary by county. Fulton County will use large facilities at State Farm Arena and the International Convention Center in College Park for use to facilitate early voting in the Pandemic. DeKalb County has two large facilities one at South DeKalb Mall and the other at the Voter Registration and Elections Office on Memorial Drive.
Throughout the state, Saturday, September 24th is a mandatory Saturday voting day.
Everyone is encouraged to vote early. If you vote early and have a challenge you will have time to rectify your situation. Butler encouraged everyone to make a plan to vote and not to leave it to chance.
If you have any challenge voting the Voter Protection Hotline is: 1-866-OUR-VOTE - 1-866-687-8683.
The People's Agenda is training poll monitors which are needed during this election cycle. If you are available to be a poll monitor apply here.
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