What if I’m not on the voter list?

•  First, ask a poll worker to check the list again and to confirm that you’re at the right polling place.

•  If you’re at the right polling place but your name isn’t on the voter list, ask for a provisional ballot.  You have the right to cast a provisional ballot, even if your name is not on the voter list, as long as you’re willing to swear that you believe you are registered to vote.

What if I go to the wrong polling place?

•  Go to the right polling place.  You can ask a poll worker to help you find the polling place where you’re registered.  You can also call your County Clerk’s office or look up your polling place online at https://services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/FindMyPollingPlace.

•  If you can’t figure out where you’re registered, go to the polling place that you think is most likely to be the right one and ask for a provisional ballot.  You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if you’re  not sure that you’re at the right polling place.

What if someone challenges my right to vote?

•  Ask for a provisional ballot.  Election officials will rule on the challenge before the election results become final.

What if someone tries to intimidate or harass me?

•  Tell a poll worker right away.  If the poll worker is the problem, call your County Clerk’s office, or call one of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this brochure.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot or the voting machine malfunctions?

•  Tell a poll worker before you cast your vote. If you make a mistake on a paper ballot, you have the right to a replacement ballot as long as you catch your mistake before you cast your ballot. If your voting machine malfunctions tell a poll worker right away.

How do I make a complaint?

•  First, ask for an election supervisor at your polling place.  He or she can handle most routine complaints that arise on Election Day.  Candidate, political parties, and nonprofit groups may also have poll watchers at your polling place who might be able to assist you.  If any of those people ask you who you voted for, or if they can’t resolve your complaint, call your County Clerk’s office or the Secretary of State.

Secretary of State Voter Hotline: (304) 558-6000

ACLU-WV Election Protection Hotline: (304) 355-5012 | www.acluwv.org | (304) 345-9246

ACLU National Election Protection: 866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683)

US Department of Justice: (800) 253-3931

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