2016 Voter Resources: register, get help with voting problems, check out candidates

unidos-app logoiTunes App: #Unidosapp – The Next Generation of American Voters
One-stop app for the Next Generation of American voters to connect with the issues that matter to you in the 2016 presidential election. Find out how to register, vote, and get help with all of your presidential election questions. Get it on iTunes

cada voto cuenta logoCada Voto Cuenta Volunteer sign-up
LatinoJustice’s Nonpartisan Cada Voto Cuenta Election Monitoring Voter Protection Initiative is recruiting bilingual Spanish-speaking legal volunteers in five states.

voting assistance flyerOn Election Day, 4000 CommonCause Election Protection community and lawyer volunteers will be ready to provide on the spot assistance on Election Day to voters everywhere in the US.

Voting hotlines
866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) – English language hotline
888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish language hotline
888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog
1-844-418-1682 – Arabic language hotline

Call hotline numbers to learn where to go and what you need to do in order to vote. Also, report on problems like long lines, faulty voting machines and any other obstructions you encounter while attempting to vote.

Please help spread the word about the hotlines by:

  • Printing out this poster and distributing them in your community – on community bulletin boards, at your place of worship, schools or ask businesses if they will put them in their window.
  • Share this resource on social media!
  • Questions If you have questions about being an Election Protection volunteer check out our FAQ or email Keshia Morris.
  • read more

    New Jersey Voter Resources & Rights

    Voting Rights

    Resources

    Voting Rights in New Jersey

  • Brennan Center for Justice Student Voting Guide
  • Voter’s Rights Handbook published by New Jersey State.
  • League of Women Voter’s New Jersey Voter and Election Guide
  • ACLU Know Your Voting Rights Voting Information and Voting Rights
  • Identification Request: if you’re a first-time voter you may be asked for identification.

    Most New Jersey voters do not need to show ID when voting. However, if you are a first-time New Jersey voter who registered by mail, and election officials could not verify your identifying numbers (your New Jersey driver’s license or ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number), you will have to provide proof of identification, either at the polls or anytime before Election Day.

    Sufficient proof of identity includes any current and valid photo ID, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, car registration, non-photo driver’s license, rent receipt, sample ballot, utility bill (including cell phone and student housing bills), or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
    Brennan Center for Justice

    read more

  • Sandy recovery – get & give help

    General government-based assistance

    • Legal hotline for NJ residents needing legal assistance after #Sandy.
      1-888-541-1900 or probono_public_service/ls_pb_hurricane_sandy_fema_new_jersey.authcheckdam.pdf
    • A special Federal Government website is set up to process Sandy requests http://www.disasterassistance.gov. It consolidates the application process across several Federal agencies, including FEMA and the Small Business Administration and reduces the number of forms applicants will need to fill out and you can check the progress of your applications online. You can also apply at
      • 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or fema.gov
      • via smartphone at m.fema.gov
      • Speech disability or hearing loss
        TTY 1-800-462-7585
        711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) 1-800-621-3362

      Financial assistance and grants

      • Look into applying for a Lion Clubs International direct grant or see what your local club has to offer.
      • FEMA assistance and how to apply
      • 5. Operation Hope
        Financial dignity nonprofit Operation HOPE offers financial triage, financial recovery and free consultation services for individuals and small business owners impacted by Hurricane Sandy. More information here

        6. Disaster SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Information (aka Foodstamps)
        SNAP Handbook Guide
        b. D-SNAP Toolkit: SNAP Guidance Toolkit.pdf

      Health issues

      The New Jersey Department of Health has public health experts available through the state’s 2-1-1 system to answer questions about food and water safety and mold removal. To reach public health experts, call 211 or 1-866-234-0964, or visit them online at nj211.org. Experts are available 8am-8pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. More than 800 New Jersey residents have called the Department of Health hotline seeking help with food and drinking water safety, mold removal and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning. The 211 number is open for general enquiries 24/7.

      General help

      • Lists of shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens at: nj211.org/hurricane.cfm
      • FEMA Diaster Assistance Q&A Video
      • Find a “>Red Cross shelter
        1-800-RED-CROSS or app.redcross.org/nss-app/
      • or Text “Shelter + Your Zip code” to 4332.

        • National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

          La Casa de Don Pedro
          75 Park Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07104
          If you would like to report on additional resources available or any immediate needs that you observe, please send us an email or call us at 973.482.8312

          Collection Drives & Distribution Centers

          Please check that organizations are still taking in donations before you drop anything off. Always check before bringing furniture or other large items to the collection center
          Urban League of Essex County is collecting food donations & needs volunteers to distribute food 973-624-9535 508 Central Ave http://t.co/5Uwg0IHM
          Collection at Fire Hose Company 1, 63 Mount Vernon Street, Ridgefield ParkNov 2-4 Friday & Saturday 10-4 Sunday 10-2. If you need something in particular, please contact Sarah Mielnicki by email or by private message on Facebook and she will look out for it.
          La Casa de Don Pedro in Newark
          Maple Avenue School is a drop-off and distribution center. Email

          douglasfreeman@zaztek.com read more