After Disaster: How Can I Vote?

(U.S. Air Force Pararescueman Staff Sgt. Lopaka Mounts, assigned to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group, receives a hug from a resident during search and rescue operations after Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas September 13, 2008; photos by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr./Reuters)

After Disaster: How Can I Vote?

Hurricane Ike resulted in deaths and/or disaster areas being declared in ten American states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. With an important national election pending, those directly affected by Ike may be wondering how they are going to vote in November. Here's how to answer to your questions.

First, make sure you are, in fact, registered to vote. Go to Vote for Change and do a quick search. Be advised, however, that if your search information does not EXACTLY match how it is entered in your state's database, you may be incorrectly told (as I was) that you are not registered. If that occurs, check with your state's registrar directly.

If you are not registered, you can do so quickly at the above site. You can also find your polling location and where to vote early. I personally love voting absentee, available to anyone who is disabled, because it's a paper ballot and I know Diebold isn't erasing my enfranchisement.

Arkansas: Arkansas has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at this site from the Secretary of State Charlie Daniels.

Illinois: Illinois has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at State Board of Elections.

Indiana: Indiana has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at Secretary of State Todd Rokita. NOTE: It's important to remember Indiana has a new Voter ID law requiring a photo ID. Don't let this Republican maneuver keep you from voting -- use absentee voting by mail if necessary.

Kentucky: Kentucky has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at League of Women Voters, Kentucky or the State Board of Elections.

Louisiana: Louisiana's Election Division page of the Secretary of State Jay Dardenne states "Displaced voters may vote by mail, vote early in person at the registrar of voters office of their parish, or on election day at their precinct." In addition they report "Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and their after effects necessitated several changes in the fall elections cycle. The Sept. 6, 2008 closed congressional primary elections are postponed, as well as some municipal elections.:" For details about these changes, as well as specific information on voting, go to the above link.

Missouri: Missouri has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at Voter Information (including absentee voting) from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.

Ohio: Ohio has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at Voter Services from Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at Votes PA the from Department of State.

Tennessee: Tennessee has not issued an advisory particular to post-Ike voting, but general information about registration and voting is available at Division of Elections.

Texas: Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections for the State of Texas, has issued a statement as to Election Procedures and Information Following Hurricane Ike. Please go to this site for COMPLETE and possibly updated information. The abridged version is:

Voters who have been displaced have several options for voting in the November election.
• Voter Registration and Residence. ...Our advice to people displaced by the storm is the same as to any other person—the voter is the one who decides what the voter considers to be home. If a voter relocated to another county before the storm and has decided to stay in their new county, they may register to vote in their new county. Voters in this situation must submit a new voter registration application in their new county of residence no later than October 6, 2008 in order to vote in the November election. However, if a person has been relocated due to the storm and is unsure when they can return to their home county, but intends to return, then that person can maintain their voter registration in their home county (or apply to register if not already registered).
• If a voter is able to return to their home, they will likely vote as usual in their county.
• A voter away from their county of residence may apply for a ballot by mail from their home county.
• Voters with specific questions may contact the Elections Division, toll-free at (800) 252-VOTE (8683) or visit our website for updated information.

UPDATE: A sharp commenter, Marshall, pointed out that alternative voting methods may be necessary for those who are being disenfranchised because their homes have been foreclosed upon. The same links above should help you get the information you need.

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Cupcakes for Change @ Barack the Vote in Tokyo Japan

#cupcakes for change

With a ton of help last night from some of the Best Community Organizers I know-- we held a "down-to-the-wire" Barack the Vote event to register Democrats Abroad voters and put the party back into the PARTY.

I am convinced, now more than ever, that cupcakes make everything a little more festive. (maybe it's just me)

The event was a success on many levels, personal and political. We had more willing volunteers than in previous years and they did a better than fantastic job. Delegating and trusting good people to do what needs to be done makes this kind of event much much easier and more successful too!

We planned BTV for last night because we are down to our last days to find and register Americans living over seas. We certainly found a bunch last night and registered 20% of the attendees!

We had 25 performers who did an AMAZING job.

This was one of the best lineups we've ever had for an event of this type. And it felt great to help promote local, live music. We had quite a few international performers who really highlighted the feeling that the world is pulling for us, is afraid for us, and is urging us to get it right this time. I made a few musical discoveries tonight, will share them a bit over the next few days.

Barack the Vote went off with very few bumps and no bruises. We raised some money for GOTV advertising, especially in our Stars and Stripes weekly papers at the American military bases in Japan. For the first time ever we are advertising in S&S in Tokyo, Kansai and Okinawa.

We also raised money for Amnesty International-- who are the front line of defense for human rights abuses world wide.

We sold great buttons and T-shirts, ate too many sweets, (cupcakes, brownies, cheesecake, cookies, and other yummy stuff) drank too many drinks and basically had a wonderful time!

This weekend is phone banking and debate prep. I am scheduled to debate the chair of Republicans Abroad Japan on 9/30 (wishes of luck and lots of advice would be appreciated)

Special thanks to all the volunteers, musicians, and the venue staff who made it all work. Especially Miki, Terri, & Tom, Yoyogibear, Chris, Pat, Kat, John, Jeffy, Tom, Robb, Marcellus, Mike K. and sooooo many more people that I have to stop now or I'd be typing names all morning.

Yesterday I was down-- economic worries, Palin news and Lady Lynn frustrations. BUT we Barack'd the Vote hard last night and I feel much better.

46 days left. What are you doing to GOTV and take our country back? Share in the thread.

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In a Town Called Unity

UNITY, N.H. — Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton set off on their maiden political voyage on Friday, trading their rivalry from the presidential primary battle for a newfound display of harmony intended to set a fresh tone for any Democrats still harboring bitterness from their grueling duel.

It was a day of choreographed unity — their destination was a rally here in this small western New Hampshire town — with the two senators appearing together before the cameras for the first time. Three weeks after suspending her campaign, Mrs. Clinton renewed her endorsement and pledged to do all she could to help Democrats win the White House in the fall.-- New York Times

Ok-- start your engines ladies and gents, let's get this thing done. What are you planning in your areas to get out the vote? What are your plans to raise awareness? What is your donation strategy? (Budget now, we need you.) Are you registered to vote yet? If not, why the hell not? Plan now how you are going to get at least 2 other non registered friends or family to participate this year. Each and every one of us needs our own personal field plan. We have just about 4 months left. What are you going to do to help end this 8 year nightmare?

One of my friends went to the Unity NH event and posted this photo of the buses lined up in neighboring town pick up points. This was just at one pick up stop of many... I think the repubs are in some serious trouble.

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