Voting@Vassar

Just the Facts…

sunshine2day — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:50:26 +0000

Check out our quick reference, The College Student’s Guide To Voting here.

Voting@Vassar Awareness Day

sunshine2day — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:25:00 +0000

On September 8th from 3:30 – 6:30 pm, Democratic Engagement students will host a “Voting@Vassar” Awareness Day in the College Center North Atrium.

This non-partisan event is open to the entire Vassar community. Come out and get information about the upcoming elections, meet and greet members of the Board of Elections as they demonstrate the new voting machines in our College Center. Everyone will be able to register to vote, update their registration information, register by absentee ballot in other states (by kiosk), learn about voter’s rights for students and persons with disabilities. We will also have a special table for faculty and staff members to sign up to work as Poll Watchers in the upcoming election, since we need more friendly faces to greet each and every voter that comes out on Election Day.

Bard Student Video on Election Day

sunshine2day — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:13:39 +0000

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

Thinking Ahead to 2010…

sunshine2day — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:51:31 +0000

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

sunshine2day — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:56:55 +0000

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

sunshine2day — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:05:06 +0000

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!

sunshine2day — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:29:00 +0000

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.

sunshine2day — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:19:54 +0000

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

Meet the Candidates at Vassar

sunshine2day — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:42:50 +0000

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Rockefeller Hall Room 300

Light Refreshments Served!

Welcome to Voting@Vassar

sunshine2day — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:10:08 +0000

Voting Awareness Poster

Voting@Vassar keeps you informed about local politics and elections in Dutchess County. Whether you are a first year student who wants to register to vote or a registered student who moved this year, we’ve got what you need here. Read more…