| "The only polls that matter are the ones where you vote."
Anonymous
The Word urges everyone to vote tomorrow, November 4. This election year marks a pivotal time in our nation's history. The struggles of those who came before us cannot go unnoticed. Here are a few tips: Be sure not to wear any clothing or other paraphernalia that endorses a candidate to the polls. In some states it is illegal and you may be prevented from voting. Expect a Big Turnout So Vote Early in the Day. In Massachusetts, the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Many states with early voting have experienced record turnout and some people have had to wait in line for hours. It is recommended that you vote between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to avoid long lines. Know Your Rights. You: have the right to vote in private; have the right to spend 5 minutes in a voting booth if others are waiting or 10 minutes if no one is waiting; have the right to receive up to two replacement ballots if you make a mistake; have the right to vote even if you do not speak, read, or write English. If you have difficulty speaking English, a disability or a question, you have the right to get help from the poll workers; have the right to vote if you have a CORI or if you are on probation or parole; and have the right to bring anyone you choose with you into the voting booth (except your boss or union supervisor). Also, most voters are not asked for identification, but some are, especially those who are voting for the first time or who haven't voted in a few years. In Massachusetts, your driver's license will work, but so will a recent utility bill or rent receipt on a landlord's letterhead. If you should encounter any problems, call the Voter Hotline at 866.687.8683 or visit www.massvote.org. Need a Ride to the Polls? If you live in Boston, and need a ride to the polls, please call MassVOTE at
617.542.8683. There will be a Get Out To Vote Rally sponsored by the Statewide Black Clergy TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m at Prince Hall, 24 Washington St. in Dorchester.
After you vote tomorrow, and only after you vote, attend one or all of the many Election Watch Parties throughout the city. 3 Degrees of Separation cordially invites you to an Election Night Watch Party from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight at The Red Fez, 1122 Washington St., Boston, MA. Hosts Marvin Jones and Harold Austin would like everyone to come out and watch the election returns and enjoy the company of like minded people. Free parking, large screen TV, cash bar, food and music. Free. An Election Night Watch Party, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Boston Alumnae Chapter will be held at 8:00 p.m. at Game On, 82 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA. Watch the election returns come in and mix and mingle with Boston's urban professionals. Free.
Roxbury4Obama Election Results Watching Party at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St., Boston, MA and Breezeway Bar and Grill, 153 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, MA at 8:00 p.m. Big screen televisions will be available at both locations. Free. The Delta's Election Night Party will be held at the SEIU Building (3rd Fl.), 150 Mt. Vernon St. (Bayside Expo), Dorchester, MA starting at 8:00 p.m. Drivers should take a ticket to enter the parking lot but there is no charge for parking. Free. Come watch the state and national returns come in at an Election Night Headquarters Party at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. RSVP to election2008@massdems.org. Free. Barack Obama 2008 Election Celebration will be held at the Middle East Club, 472/480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Live music featuring Edo G., Slaine, Akrobatic, INDifferent Arts and more. Suggested donation is $15 at the door (based on availability). Many thanks to Melody Winnig, Denise Dabney, Linda Monteiro, Kim Janey and Harold Austin and Rodney Singleton. Pat Williams |
