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)

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.


[Cross-posted at Group News Blog.]