By Sheila McNeil, chair of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee
(Huntsville, AL) As the final days of the general election approach, I’d like to share some critical election protection information for voters in Madison County. While we hope this will be a free and fair election, threats to disrupt and/or challenge it are real, and we must be prepared for any potential problems at the polls on election day. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has assembled a “boiler room” of attorneys and volunteers ready to help resolve Election Day issues. However, there is something you can do. You can do your part and report any questionable activities you encounter or observe, preferably before you leave the poll on November 5th. There is a telephone number for the public to call for assistance. The number is 833-336-8683. You may also text the word “vote” to 70888. Please feel free to distribute this telephone number and this text number to anyone in Alabama and spread the word as much as possible.
The Madison County Democratic Party recently trained a team of poll watchers who are being assigned to polling locations across the county. Poll watchers are appointed by the Party, and their primary purpose is to ensure the party has a fair chance of winning the election. They closely monitor election administration and keep track of voter turnout for the party. They are prohibited from interfering in the electoral process but are there to report issues to polling place authorities and party officials.
According to Ala. Code §§17-8-7, 17-13-11; Alabama Polling, Poll watchers have the right to observe the conduct of the election, monitor the opening of the polls, remain at the polling place until results of the election have been posted, observe ballots as they are counted, observe absentee ballots and affidavits as they are called out during the count, and see all oaths administered and signed, the record of assisted voters, the list of qualified voters, the poll lists, and any and all records made in connection with the election.
Again, as you prepare to cast your vote on Election Day and you or someone you know experiences any issues at the poll, please find a way to speak with an election administrator or poll watcher or call 833-336-8683 before you leave the polls. The national polls indicate that the presidential race is too close to call, and that’s why we must ensure that every vote is included and counted.
