Election Protection Training in NY

[Renew Deal]

This sounds good.

September 18, 2-5 p.m.
Columbia Law School
435 W 116th St. between Amsterdam & Morningside Dr.

Join IMPACT 2004, National Black Law Students Association, People For the American Way Foundation, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Working Assets, Mother Jones magazine, True Majority, Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities and others to learn about opportunities to help protect voting rights in key states on November 2. Participants will receive an update on efforts to prevent minority disenfranchisement and intimidation at the polls, challenges posed by computer voting systems and an overview of the key states where voting rights are at greatest risk.

After a one-hour program, participants will attend training sessions led by top civil rights groups. Specialized training will be provided for lawyers and law students interested in serving a poll monitor or hotline volunteers in key battleground states. Bring your family and friends. No commitment required, just a devotion to democracy and a dedication to a fair and free election.

For more information about Election Protection volunteer opportunities, go directly to ElectionProtection.org.

http://www.workingforchange.com/electionprotection/index.cfm?itemid=17501

[brooklynite]

1. I attended the session.....

..... with about 900 other people. They're looking for 25,000 volunteers nationwide to work on Election Day at primarily minority precints in battleground states to ensure a fair vote count by handing out to votes a "Bill of Rights" specifying the rules in their state governing voting rights (no need for ID, access to provisional ballots, rights to have assistance, etc.) and to intervene (with legal backup) when voters encounter problems. It is a stricly non-partisan group and will not be acting on any candidate's behalf. Lawyers and Law students are especially needed, but all volunteers are welcome. There will be additional training sessions (including teleconferences) for people who want to sign up.

[noamnety]

2. I just finished my training with them

There was a 40 minute conference call. Then the weekend before the election, they'll take you as a volunteer if you're available. And there is training for your poll location the night before, then you work a 4-5 hour shift on election day (or more if you ask for it, but one shift at least).