Count My Vote: A Citizen’s Guide to Voting in America [TM, SR, DH edit 6/10/08, 9-
12-08, SR]
by Steven Rosenfeld
Copyright © 2008
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Voter Registration
Chapter 2: Student Voting
Chapter 3: Absentee Voting
Chapter 4: Voting Machines and Election Officials
Chapter 5: Election Day Reminders/Get Involved
Part II: Individual State Summaries
Nationwide Voter Resource List
INTRODUCTION
Americans believe in voting. Even if we do not all like the results, Americans of all
political persuasions deeply believe in voting—and the power of elections to steer society
and chart the future. It is a common tie that binds our diverse and divergent lives.
Voting is many things. It is a hope. It is a responsibility. It is exciting. And occasionally,
voting in the United States is not always easy or without difficulties. Depending on your
age or race, this may be obvious or may come as a surprise. But even in the early 21st
century, a host of things can complicate or even prevent the act of casting a vote in an
election.
You might not be properly registered or have the required form of identification; you may
not know the location of your polling place, or be daunted by long lines and a shortage of
voting machines. Poll workers may tell you your name does not appear on voter lists, that
you already voted, or that you were supposed to vote by mail. You might be unfamiliar
with new voting technology or make a mistake while voting.
These were the most common problems documented during 2008’s presidential
primaries. More than half of the complaints made to the 1-866-MYVOTE1 hotline during
the first 10 primaries of 2008 were from callers who were not properly registered or
didn't know the location of their polling places.1 But in most cases, people endured these
setbacks and succeeded at voting anyway, leading to many of the highest turnouts in
primaries in years.
A number of obstacles may confront voters in the upcoming election. Our goal is to