Grandson went to vote today in Myrtle Beach, SC

[Window]

and they said he couldn't vote today. He's extremely upset. He registered in school in September along with other classmates, but was told they were not processed in time for him to vote today. (????) He's 17, will be 18 in October. From what I understand, if you will 18 before GE, you can vote in the primary.

He was one of the students chosen to attend the Democratic debates in Myrtle Beach last week, and he was so excited to be a part of the process. They were supposed to allow the children to pose questions to the candidates at the very end but ran out of time...bummer.

I feel so badly for him.

Mom, dad and older sister voted. It's a little cool and rainy, but good turnout so far.


Peace:thumbsup:

[EFerrari]

1. He can ask for a provisional ballot. He needs ID as a first time voter.

Good for him for being active!

[EFerrari]

9. Window: In SC, his provisional ballot will only be counted if

he submits it in the right precinct.

[Window]

11. Thank you.

He is going back to ask for a provisional ballot!


Peace:thumbsup:

[EFerrari]

14. Great! Make sure he goes to the right precinct!

:hi:

[geiger]

2. he needs to go back and vote,

one of the things that drives me crazy are ill-trained voting station workers.

[sallyseven]

6. Sounds like the registrar of

voters fell down. The whole group of students did not get processed.

[EFerrari]

10. See #7. Students have to be especially vigilant about their reg

because they get targeted for vote caging.

[SoxFan]

3. Check SC law

Not every state allows 17 year olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 before November. It's up to individual states, and frankly, most states don't allow it.

If you and your grandson believe the election official has the law wrong, contact either the attorney general, the US Attorney, or the top state election official (usually the secretary of state).

[EFerrari]

4. It's the State Election Commission. Link to site:

www.scvotes.org

[Window]

12. Thank you. SC allows it.

Peace:thumbsup:

[dragonlady]

5. This is exactly why every state should have same-day registration

And we may have to start checking our registration frequently to make sure nothing has gone wrong. We shouldn't have to do that, but maybe it's necessary.

What a shame that this had to happen to your grandson.

[EFerrari]

7. We ESPECIALLY have to check our reg this year because the Republicans

have mounted a campaign all over the country to throw us off the rolls. I had a thread up about that a few weeks ago. I believe is was a USA Today article.

ETA: Link

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-10-10-voter-registration-laws_x.htm

[MaineDem]

8. I'd tell him to go back

He should insist on voting.

Contact the SC Dem party (800-841-1817) or a local or county Dem party. They need an attorney on this STAT!

[flpoljunkie]

13. Someone needs to call the supervisor or elections in his county and complain loudly!

This sounds like a systematic effort to disenfranchise students.

[EFerrari]

15. Another resource for voting problems in SC today:

South Carolina Progressive Network!

If you encounter problems at the polls, please call the Network’s office to lodge a report by calling 1-803-808-3384. If warranted, the reports will be compiled and circulated to election officials and lawmakers as a resource to help guide us through the uncharted waters created by South Carolina’s new touch-screen voting machines.



http://www.scpronet.com/

[Window]

16. UPDATE!

He went back and was allowed to vote with a provisional ballot! Now he's rounding up his classmates to make sure their vote is counted. I am so proud of him!!!

His mother also spoke with someone at the number provided by someone upthread (thank you) to apprise them of the situation.

Thank you my DU family! You are the greatest!




Peace:thumbsup:

[MaineDem]

17. Hooray!

I'm so glad he went back. :)

[Window]

19. Thank you. So am I.

Peace:thumbsup:

[ellisonz]

18. Youth Shall Be Served!

[Window]

20. Absolutely!

I think it very important not to discourage our youth when they show interest and want to be a part of the voting process.

I know people my age who have never registered to vote and are always complaining about something or another and it makes my blood boil!


Peace:thumbsup:


edited to add my thumbs up LOL!

[ellisonz]

21. I honestly think the voting age should be lowered to 16.

I don't see what's wrong with giving some high school students the right to vote. I mean if you can drive a car, why can't you vote? It's pretty ironic considering motor voter registration efforts. If they care, they'll vote. The ones who don't, won't.