Page 8 - LifelineOct

REP the V.O.T.E.~ Representing

the Voice of The Empowered!

By- Jelani Charles Davis, Esq.
1. On Election Day, each polling
The November 2000 election left Americans confused and betrayed, and was place opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes
a powerful reminder that protecting our voice means not only casting our votes, at 7:00 p.m. If you are in line or in the
but also making sure they are counted. Fast forward to 2008, the winds of process of voting when the polls close
change roared through the country and our community like a mighty rushing at 7:00 p.m., YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO
wind and more people than ever cast their vote in order to be a part of history. VOTE in the election.
Encouraging civic participation has always been a top priority among civil rights 2. If you make a mistake and “spoil”
organizations and advocates. After the 2000 election and the historical gains your ballot, you have the right to
made in 2008, there is an increased need to renew our emphasis on protecting receive another ballot and vote.
the rights of voters so that every vote cast will be counted on Election Day. 3. You have the right to vote without
being intimidated or forced to vote for
REP the V.O.T.E. was created to respond to this need. REP the V.O.T.E., is a someone you do not wish to vote for.
program aimed at safeguarding voters’ rights by advising them of their legal 4. If your voter eligibility cannot be
rights, providing volunteer attorneys to help voters assert those rights, and determined, you have the right to cast
offering ready access to free and immediate legal assistance for voters who a provisional ballot.
run into problems. Rep the V.O.T.E. is a partnership between the state’s oldest 5. If you cannot read or write or are
leading network of black lawyers, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar disabled or blind, you have the right
Association (“VHFCNBA”) and Florida African American and Caribbean Alliance to request special assistance to help
(“FACE”) Unite for Dignity, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, whose mission is you vote.
to empower African American and Caribbean communities throughout the state. 6. It is unlawful for anyone to try
to prevent you from voting if you are
For years, African American lawyers have played a vital role in protecting the qualified and registered to vote.
integrity of the election process, registering and educating voters, and assisting For more information visit us at www.
Floridians in exercising their right to vote. This year, we are continuing our efforts facealliance.org or www.vhfcnba.org.
by launching a toll-free voting rights hotline. Floridians who feel that their voting
rights have been violated will have the opportunity to call in and be connected About the Author: Jelani Charles
with an attorney that will assist them with their voting rights issue. Davis, Esq., a criminal defense
Before you cast your vote, know your rights. attorney in Miami, Florida, serves as
the Rep the V.O.T.E. Statewide Project
Liaison.

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