Lawyers Coalition Works To Ensure Voters' Rights

On the eve of the Potomac primaries, a voter protection coalition involving the National Bar Association and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law are reaching out to help voters experiencing difficulties at the ballot box.

“We are offering protection to voters before they get into the polls, instead of after they leave,” says Jonah Goldman, the National Campaign for Fair Elections campaign director. “We have worked all over the country during this election process to help ensure voters’ rights.”

The D.C.-based effort is urging voters to call their toll-free number, 1-866-OUR-VOTE, on Feb. 12 if they experience any troubles at the polls or if they need any questions about the process answered. Trained volunteers will be staffing the hotline to provide voters with free assistance. In addition, lawyers and some law students are volunteering at selected polling sites in Prince George’s County, Md. and Montgomery County, Md.

“The high turnout this year has put a lot of stress on the system,” says Goldman, who plans on establishing at least 30 locations across the country before the national election. “So if anybody has questions or problems, they should give us a call.”