Election Protection Celebrates National Voter Registration Day; Toll-Free Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) Provides Live Assistance to Any Voters Who Have Questions or Concerns During the Registration Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Election Protection, a coalition of organizations dedicated to protecting and expanding the right to vote, celebrates National Voter Registration Day, an effort devoted to making sure everyone can cast a ballot on Election Day. This initiative arrives as numerous states approach their general election registration deadlines, some of which are scheduled for as early as October 9. Now is the time for eligible residents who wish to vote to confirm their registration status and, if necessary, submit any outstanding forms to ensure their names are on the rolls.

“Each year, National Voter Registration Day reminds us that too many people are left out of the political process simply because they miss the tight deadlines imposed by states across the country,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Our Election Protection hotline provides critical assistance to voters seeking to register and vote.”

“The right to vote is the most important right in our democracy,” said Hill Harper, award-winning actor, bestselling author, philanthropist and national spokesperson for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.  “I encourage everyone to take a moment to register to vote or verify your registration status today.”

Election Protection’s toll-free English language hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), will be live on today, National Voter Registration Day until 8 p.m. EST.  Spanish-speaking voters may seek assistance through our partner hotline, 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682), led by NALEO Educational Fund. The 866-OUR-VOTE hotline is currently live weekdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST and will expand hours to evenings and weekends as Election Day approaches. The hotline schedule will be updated here: https://www.866ourvote.org/pages/2016-live-hotline-hours-and-dates.

The 2008 general election excluded nearly 6 million eligible citizens due to confusion around registration procedures or missed registration deadlines. That means a significant part of the U.S. electorate was unable to enter the polls and exercise its rights. National Voter Registration Day aims to close this gap, bringing our country one step closer to an election in which the results wholly reflect the preferences of the people.

About Election Protection
Election Protection is the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Through its suite of hotlines, including the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline (866-687-8683) administered by the Lawyers’ Committee, 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) administered by NALEO Educational Fund, 888-API-VOTE (888-273-8683) administered by APIAVote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC and a dedicated team of trained legal and grassroots volunteers, Election Protection helps all American voters, including traditionally disenfranchised groups, gain access to the polls and overcome obstacles to voting. The coalition has more than 100 partners—including Advancement Project, Asian American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Brennan Center for Justice, Common Cause, League of Women Voters of the United States, NAACP, National Bar Association, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, State Voices, Rock the Vote and Verified Voting Foundation—at the national, state and local levels and provides voter protection services nationwide. For more information about Election Protection and the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, please visit www.866ourvote.org.