Bard Student Video on Election Day

Here’s a link to a video on Bard students’ experience at the polling place in Red Hook.

 

 

 

Thinking Ahead to 2010…

People have asked how the strategy of voter intimidation took place two weeks ago and whether it can be prevented in the future.  This strategy was not a new one; it just feels new to those who attempted to vote for the first time in Dutchess County or those voting for the first time after the 2008 presidential election.  Some might believe this was a “trial” run for the 2010 mid term elections, where the stakes will be much higher.

The best counter-strategy against voter caging, voter intimidation, and voter suppression is education and planning.  Students need to know the Election Law that relates to them and have a script prepared in the event that they are challenged in the future.  Voting@Vassar will serve as a clearinghouse for information about the right to vote and announcements for upcoming forums on the challenges that students faced.

Click here for more information…

The Latest from Election Day 2009

For those interested in local reporting about the treatment of Vassar and Bard students on Election Day 2009:

11/14:  Editorial: Let students vote in Dutchess County, but enforce the rules

Cappy’s Letter to Editor

MadVassar Blog:  Cappy Speaks on Student Voting Controversy

Appellate Judge Overrules Decision on Vassar Student Voting

Vassar Students Face Challenges At the Polls

Homeless, Student Voters challenged

New Updates

Polls are now closed.  The injunction against Vassar students was overturned by appeal.  Vassar students who voted by affidavit were not able to revote at the polls.  More information to come and election results–stay tuned!

Get the latest update on the Misc’s Blog!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Students from Bard and Vassar are being greeted today at their polling places with intimidation and harassment.  Know before you go!
Here is an update from the Board of Elections.  Voters can be challenged for a variety of reasons (e.g. address, signature, etc.).  When a voter is challenged, poll inspectors must vote on the veracity of the voter (do they believe the person is who they say they are?  Is the person’s name in the roll book?).  If the inspectors approve the voter, the voter must be allowed to vote in the polling place on the machine.  If there is a 3:1 split in favor of the challenge, the voter will have to sign a “Challenge Oath” and must be allowed to vote as normal.  These challenged votes will be reinspected by Board of Election officials once the election is closed.

The most important message for students:  Do not leave the site without voting!  You have the constitutional right to vote if you are registered in this county.  The only reason you should fill out any paper or show any proof of identification is if you have been successfully challenged.  At that time, you have to complete the challenge oath, but you can still vote!
As I receive more information from the Board of Election about the injunction, I will post the updates to this site.

Boost Your Local I.Q.

 

Students can boost their local I.Q.

• Read the local newspaper

• Subscribe to a blog to keep up with local events

• Attend County Board Meetings

• Visit Dutchess County Board of Elections website for updated information on elections