The Right to Vote

Yesterday was the last day to register to vote - at least for this upcoming election.  

We received the "Voter's Pamphlet" although I don't know why they call it that.  It's more like a book - a thin text book with lots and lots of words.  It is our first time voting in Oregon.  Our  "pamphlet' included a page

 If you are a US citizen, live in Oregon, and are 18 years old and have registered to vote

You have the right to vote . .

. . . even if you are homeless

. . . even if you have been convicted of a felony but have been released from custody, even if you are on probation or parole.

. . . even if you have a guardian and even if you need help reading or filling out your ballot

. . . or cast your ballet if you are in line by 8pm on Election Day

. . . to know if you are registered to vote

. . . to choose whether or not you want to register as a member of political party

. . . to use signature stamp or other mark but first you have to fill out a form NO ONE CAN SIGHN IT FOR YOU

. . . to ask for help from elections staff or from a friend  or family member.  There are some people who cannot help you vote . . .

. . . to a secret vote.  You don't have to tell anyone how you voted.

. . . to get a "provisional ballet", even if you are told you are not registered to vote.

. . . to get a new ballot if you make a mistake.

. . . to vote for the person you want.  You can write in someone else's name if you don't like the choices on your ballot.

 . . . to vote yes or no on any issue on your ballot

. . .  to leave some choices blank on your ballot.  The choices you mark will still count.

. . . use a voting system for all Federal Elections that make it equally possible for people with disabilities to vote privately and independently.

. . . to know if your ballot was accepted for counting

. . . to file a complaint if you think your voting rights have been denied.

I thought my brother had posted about the trauma we faced the last time my mom voted, but haven't  found it.  Perhaps I had seen it on his facebook account.

He had taken her to a pre-voting or something.  I had gone with them just for support, but had already voted by mail.  I think Corey voted by mail also, but my was still registered to vote at the walk-in polls.  She had her paper with the information on how she was hoping to vote - but her dementia was really bad that day and I suspect she had forgotten what she was even doing there.  I remember that it took her a long time, and she was frustrated.