"In 2000 and 2004, problems plagued the polls in different parts of the country: long lines, eligible voters turned away, voter intimidation, misallocation and malfunctioning of voting equipment. They were underreported on Election Day. Days and weeks later, a more complete picture of voter disenfranchisement emerged—but it was too late. The elections were over and the media had moved on. Starting this election, citizen journalists—people like you and I—will document problems as they occur. We'll play them online, spread word through blogs and partner websites, doing our part to make sure the full story of our elections is told." -Video the Vote

Ready? Sign up at VideotheVote.org to be a videographer at the elections. On the Web site read "What to Expect on Election Day" on the right side of the page and the "Guidelines" in the "Sign up" section at the bottom of the page. Also read the observation rules provided through the Verified Voting Foundation. States may have more rules than listed on the site, such as rules that regulate the making of recordings, and some may have changed their rules.

VERIFY

You will need to verify the rules regarding observation and recording at the polls or observation and recording at your county elections offices. Some states, such as Texas and Florida, forbid bringing cameras into the polling area; in Florida it is against state law. Contact your county elections offices and get the current written rules for observation or recording on election day and to alert them of your intention to observe and record.

One of Video the Vote's partner organizations may offer to team you up with an attorney if a violation of election law is reported in your area. Be sure to bring your cell phone if you are willing to be contacted for such a purpose.

NEW! Sign up for the cell phone reporting system of Working Assets to participate in a call to action on election day in your area.

What is needed is "eternal vigilance" and oversight of elections by us, the citizens. When citizens and video journalists submit their materials through VideotheVote.org, the most important findings will be broadcast from a central clearinghouse, featuring celebrity reporting at Network of Citizen's Election Day site.

SAMPLE VIDEO

Here is a short video clip from American Blackout, produced by Guerilla News Network (GNN). GNN is one of the producers of Video the Vote.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

The Elections Transparency project has an excellent set of checklists to guide observation and these can be turned in and analyzed to provide information on patterns and problems.

A professional set of guidelines for observers, developed for California but useful for other states, is available at http://www.countedascast.com/docs/ElectionMonitoringV1.0.pdf

BlackBoxVoting Toolkit shows you how to observe elections and more.

Learn about your state and county election process. Don't be afraid to call and make an appointment with your county or local elections director. Ask questions and educate yourself!

Contact Us by email: info at networkofcitizens.org

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