voters guide

Step Up for Students in 2014 will help over 60,000 children choose a school that is a better fit for them.

Since it began in 2002, over 300,000 financially needy children have had a chance to choose a private school and an opportunity for hope and a better future.

69% of Step Up scholarship children are minority.

They come from families with an average household income of only $24,798.

54% come from single parent households.

They tend to be among the lowest-performing students in their public schools when they get their scholarship.

Once in their new school, their learning gains equal those of children of all incomes, including wealthier ones.

A study commissioned by the state legislature found SUFS actually improved the academic performance of the public schools as well.

According to economic studies conducted by researchers and state legislative analysts, Step Up for Students saves taxpayers tens of millions of dollars a year.

Step Up students attend great schools such as:

Phyl’s AcademyDr. John A. McKinney Christian Academy

Mount Bethel Christian AcademyAukela Christian Military Academy

Saint Helen Catholic SchoolBroward Junior Academy

Mount Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist SchoolAbundant Life Christian Academy

Cardinal Gibbons High SchoolHighlands Christian Academy

Miami Union

www.FLVoicesforChoices.org

This ad was paid For by FLorida VoiCes For ChoiCes - www.FLVoiCesForChoiCes.org

thewestsidegazette.com

Being in school doesn’t have to mean not being involved

By Kelci Lynn Lucier

With so much else to juggle while in college, you may not have thought much about how to vote as a college student. Although the logistics of voting in elections may be slightly different than when you lived at home, the process can still be relatively simple if you know what to do.

I live in one state but go to school in another. Where do I vote?Where you vote is really up to you, and you’ll need to check with your home state or the state your school is

in for more details. Note, however, that you can only vote in one state. Check with your home state’s Secretary of State’s office or website about what the requirements are. Additionally, if you decide to vote in your home state but are living in another state, you’ll probably need to vote absentee. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to receive -- and return -- your ballot through the mail.

How do I vote in my hometown election if I’m away at school?If, say, you live in Hawaii but are in college in New York, chances are you aren’t going to be able to head home to vote. You’ll need to register as an absentee voter and

have your ballot sent to you at school.

How do I vote in the state where my school is?As long as you’ve registered to vote in your “new” state, you should get voter materials in the mail that will explain the issues, have candidate statements, and say where your local polling place is. You may very well vote right on your campus. If not, there’s a pretty good chance that a lot of students at your school will need to get to the neighborhood polling place on Election Day. Check with your Student Activities or

college continueS on Page 14

GO VOTEFirst of all I would like to thank

those who made the printing of this guide possible, and that would be the confident candidates who ‘s ads appear in it: the Broward County SOE office for information, Voices For Choices who are supporters of the education of our children and you our loyal readers and informed voters.

As we prepare for the upcoming elections, there are several things to remember and the number one and most imperative thing is--GO VOTE!

Every election is important even if the historical aspect is not the election of the FIRST Black President of the Unites States. In every election we should vote in record numbers just the same because the vitality of equality is dependent upon our votes.

Every thing from the quality of the education of our children to the care of our elderly is reliant upon our elected officials, to whom we charge with intrusting the proper and necessary attention given to each and the needed outcome for the benefit of all.

When we do not vote we show a disquieted and apathetic perspective on living conditions outside of our own selfish interest and a total disrespect for our governance.

We trust and pray that every person that reads this guide will find the confidence to continue to vote, carry at least five other people to vote with them, and encourage others to vote.

By voting we may not always achieve the desired outcome but, when we don’t vote its almost guaranteed we won’t.

Be a voice that stirs the conscience of others to vote. Remember --”A voteless people is a hopeless people.”

Yours in the struggle,

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.Publisher of the Westside Gazette

Voting as a College Student

Page thewestsidegazette.com4

Who Is Bobby DuBose?Husband and Father of two boys

Member, Mount Bethel Baptist Church

Graduate, Plantation High School

Graduate, University of Florida

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Former, Vice Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale

Past President, Broward League of Cities

Past President, Kappa Alpha Psi, Fort Lauderdale Alumni Chapter

Board Member, University of Florida Alumni Association

thVOTE ABSENTEE, EARLY or on TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

“Commissioner DuBose has been a fighter for his constituents in Fort Lauderdale and will bring that same passion and work ethic to the legislature to fight for the good people from our unique part of the state.”

“Commissioner DuBose has an impressive record of working very hard for his constituents, leading the Broward League of Cities and demonstrating his leadership skills of bringing people together to get things done. Bobby will be an excellent and effective representative for district 94 in Tallahassee.”

“City Commissioner Bobby DuBose has been the driving force behind the economic development and revitalization of our City's central and northwest areas. Bobby's energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic has set a course for more jobs, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for Fort Lauderdale.”

-Minority Leader Chris SmithFlorida Senate

-Minority Leader Perry ThurstonFlorida House of Representatives

-Mayor John P. “Jack” SeilerCity of Fort Lauderdale

For The Florida House of Representatives District 94

ENDORSED BY:Broward County

Police Benevolent Association

Broward Fraternal Order of Police

Florida Medical Association

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.

Hispanic Vote PAC

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Bobby DuBose, Democrat for State House 94.

www.BobbyDuBose.com

“We electors have an important constitutional power placed in our hands: we have a check upon two branches of the legislature, as each branch has upon the other two; the power I mean of electing at stated periods, one branch, which branch has the power of electing another. It becomes necessary to every subject then, to be in some degree a statesman: and to examine and judge for himself of the tendencies of political principles and measures. “

John Adams, The Papers of John Adams, Robert J. Taylor, ed. (Cambridge: Belknap Press, 1977), Vol. 1, p. 81.

With the Midterm elections upon us, it is more important than ever to get out and vote. Many people think that their vote does not matter. Imagine if everyone felt that way - we would never elect a president! There have been many, many elections - not just on a local level - that have been decided by less than 100 votes. So thinking that your vote does not

count could not be farther from the truth.

Maybe you feel that when it comes down to it, all the candidates are the same, so why bother voting. Even if this is how you truly feel, remember that the winners may have an enor-

Understanding The Importance Of Voting

importance continueS on Page 14


Protecting minority voting rights

The Voting Rights Act continues to protect the voting rights of millions of voters across the country today. This landmark civil rights legislation is a critical safeguard to ensuring equal access to the ballot and guaranteeing our most fundamental right as Americans. Since its passage in 1965, the Voting Rights Act has guaranteed millions of minority voters a chance to have their voices heard and their votes counted. The ACLU is fighting to protect the voting rights of all minority communities by ensuring the enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.Poll taxes and literacy tests were among the many discriminatory laws that were enforced to keep African Americans from voting. In an effort to tear down these historical barriers and to protect the guarantee that the right to vote is not denied “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude,” on August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law.Section 5 of the Act required jurisdictions with significant histories of voter discrimination to “pre-clear,” or get federal approval from the Department of Justice (DOJ), for any new voting practices or procedures, and to show that they do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect. DOJ is charged with upholding and enforcing the Voting Right Act. If the agency finds that a new voting practice or procedure has a discriminatory purpose or effect, pre-clearance will be denied, stopping the discriminatory law before it goes into effect. DOJ can also challenge discriminatory laws in court.

In June 2013, in a huge blow to democracy, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula used in Section 5. Section 5 of the Act requires jurisdictions with significant histories of voter discrimination to “pre-clear,” or get federal approval from the Department of Justice (DOJ), for any new voting practices or procedures, and to show that they do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect.Importantly, however, the 5-4 decision does not strike down Section 5 itself, leaving it to Congress to devise a new coverage formula. ACLU is working with Congress to devise a new formula.In January 2014, a bipartisan group of legislators in Congress took the first step toward developing a new formula and modernizing the Voting Rights Act: they introduced the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014, which contains a set of voting protections that are flexible, forward-looking, and written to capture recent discrimination and stop discriminatory changes before elections take place. These include a rolling preclearance formula that will cover jurisdictions with recent, egregious voting records, requiring voting changes be preapproved; an expanded judicial bail-in provision; an enhanced ability for plaintiffs to obtain preliminary injunctive relief for some voting changes; and requirements for jurisdictions to provide public notice of proposed voting changes.Although we have made significant gains in voting rights, discrimination at the polls persists today and cannot be dismissed as a relic of the past. Minority voters still face significant obstacles in registering to vote and casting ballots. As

“A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the sub-ject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law. “Alexander Hamilton, The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, Harold C. Syrett, ed. (New York, Columbia University Press, 1962), Vol III, pp. 544-545.

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If you are eighteen years old, a U.S. citizen, and legal resident of Florida you may register to vote. If you are sixteen years old, you may pre-register and receive your card in the mail after your 18th birthday. You are NOT entitled to register to vote if you have been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with regard to voting in this or any other state and you have not had your right to vote restored pursuant to law, or, if you have been convicted of any felony by any court of record and you have not had your right to vote restored pursuant to law. If you meet the above requirements, you may register to vote in Broward County either: 1. OnlineFill out the online application form at http://www.browardsoe.org/ - OR - 2. In Person / TelephoneYou may obtain a voter registration application in person or by telephone by contacting:The Supervisor of Elections Main office: 115 S. Andrews Avenue Room 102 Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301 Office Number - (954) 357-7050 Or you may apply at any of these Broward County locations: After completing the voter registration application, it can be mailed or delivered to the Supervisor of Elections office. A voter identification card will be mailed to the applicant approximately 2-3 weeks after the application is processed.

Please be aware of the following information if you decide to register to vote by mail:HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT (HAVA) OF 2002As a result of the enactment of the 2002 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) by the United States Congress, Florida law (97.0535, Florida Statutes) now has new requirements for anyone who registers by mail. As of January 1, 2003, if you are a new voter in Broward County, you registeredby mail and you have not voted in an election for Federal office in this county you must present a current valid photo identification or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or other government documents that shows your name and address. If you wish to vote by mail you must submit, with your ballot, the same documentation stated above. To be exempt from the above qualifications you must meet one of the following requirements:• be 65 years of age or older when you registered• have a physical disability• be a member, spouse or dependent of active uniform service or merchant marine absent from the county on election day• living outside the United States but eligible to vote in Florida

How to Register The Voting Rights Act


the fewest seats on the ballot in 2014 with two seats up for election.

Florida 2014 ballot measuresThree statewide ballot measures are on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Florida.A total of 20 initiatives were filed for potential spots on the 2014 ballot in Florida. However, many of these were repeat filings of nearly identical initiatives. Initiative sponsors sometimes file multiple versions of the same measure in order to increase the likelihood of it landing on the ballot. Of the measures set to appear on the ballot, two are initiated constitutional amendments, and one is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment. Supporters were required to collect at least 683,149 valid signatures and submit them by the February 1, 2014 filing deadline in order to place them on the ballot. Six additional measures, five legislatively-referred constitutional amendments and one initiated constitutional amendment, were proposed but did not make the ballot.The 2014 legislative session began on March 3, 2014 and ended on May 2, 2014. The Florida Legislature

can put a p r o p o s e d amendment on the ballot upon a sixty p e r c e n t majority vote in both the l e g i s l a t i v e chambers via a joint resolution. Topics that will appear on the ballot include: Environment; Marijuana; Judiciary

On the ballot November 4:

CICA Amendment 1 Environment Provides funding for the Land Acquisition Trust Fund

CICA Amendment 2 Marijuana Grants the right to use marijuana for the treatment of certain ailments when recommended by a physician

LRCA Amendment 3 Judiciary Allows the governor to fill judicial vacancies by appointing a justice or judge from a slate of nominees

“The elective franchise, if guarded as the ark of our safety, will peaceably dissipate all combinations to subvert a Constitution, dictated by the wisdom, and resting on the will of the people. “

Thomas Jefferson, The Jeffersonian Cyclopedia, John P. Foley, ed. (New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1900), p. 842.

Florida attorney general election, 2014The Florida attorney general election will take place on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Pam Bondi (R) was first elected in 2010 and is eligible to run for re-election.Florida is one of 12 states to use a strictly closed primary process, in which the selection of a party’s candidates in an election is limited to registered party members.Candidates: Republican Party Pam Bondi - IncumbentDemocratic Party Perry Thurston - State RepresentativeDemocratic Party George Sheldon - Former Florida Department of Children and Families secretaryLibertarian Party Bill Wohlsifer - Attorney

Chief Financial OfficerCurrent incumbentRepublican Party Jeffrey AtwaterCandidatesRepublican Party Jeffrey Atwater - IncumbentDemocratic Party William RankinDutiesThe chief financial officer oversees the Florida Department of Financial Services. The department provides accounting and auditing services to state agencies, acts as the state’s bank by disbursing and receiving funds into the treasury, and performs other financial duties. In addition, the department performs non-financial regulatory duties, including insurance licensing and fraud investigation, funeral parlor and cemetery licensing and public assistance fraud investigation. Notably, the chief financial officer also acts as state fire marshal, which certifies firefighters, sets training standards and investigations potential arson.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesCurrent incumbentRepublican Party Adam PutnamCandidatesRepublican Party Adam Putnam -

IncumbentDemocratic Party Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton(Write-in) Jeffrey Obos[10]DutiesThe commissioner heads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an agglomeration of 13 divisions and 5 offices involved in the regulation and promotion of Florida’s agriculture and consumer services industries. FDACS agencies establish rules for the state’s animal, aquaculture, forestry, and produce industries, license producers, provide marketing support for the state’s agribusinesses, and oversee emergency preparedness and law enforcement efforts covering the agriculture industry.In addition to its agricultural duties, the department regulates various consumer services businesses, including motor vehicle repair shops, charitable organizations, dance studios, pawnshops, telemarketers, and several others.

Florida school board elections, 2014A total of 38 Florida school districts among America’s largest school districts by enrollment will hold elections in 2014 for 124 seats. There is a general election on August 26, 2014 for districts with competitive seats. If no candidate receives a majority of votes for a particular seat, a runoff election will be held on November 4, 2014 to determine a winner.Here are several quick facts about Florida’s school board elections in 2014:The largest school district by enrollment with an election in 2014 is Miami-Dade County Public Schools with 346,842 K-12 students.The smallest school district by enrollment with an election in 2014 is Columbia County School District with 9,810 K-12 students.Broward County Public Schools has the most seats on the ballot in 2014 with six seats up for election.Charlotte County Public Schools has

Florida elections, 2014


The Florida voter registration form requires that one must attach an ID to the application if one is registering for the first time in the county. You will be asked to provide a current and valid Florida Driver’s License number or else a Florida Identification Card number. If you do not have either of these forms of identification, you will be asked to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you do not have any of the above forms of identification, you may provide one of the following:

A copy of an ID that shows your name and photo, such as:

a U.S. Passport• a debit or credit card• a military ID• a student ID•

a retirement center ID• a neighborhood association ID• a public assistance ID•

• Or else a copy of an ID that: shows your name and current residence address, such as

utility bill• a bank statement• a government check• a paycheck• another government document•

Applicants who are age 65 and over, individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities, members of the U.S. Uniformed Services or Merchant Marines who are absent from the county for active duty and their spouses and/or dependents, and U.S. Citizens residing outside the U.S. but otherwise eligible to vote in Florida are exempt from this

ID requirement.Identification Requirements to Cast a BallotApplicant must provide a current and valid photo identification with a signature. Acceptable forms of ID are:Florida driver’s license;Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles;United States passport;Debit or credit card; military identification;Student identification;Retirement center identification;Neighborhood association identificationPublic assistance identification. If the picture identification does not contain a signature, you will be asked to provide an additional

identification with your signature.If you do not bring identification with you, you should not be turned away from the polls. You are entitled to cast a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will count if the signature on the provisional ballot envelope matches the signature on your voter registration application.

“Look well to the characters and qualifications of those you elect and raise to office and places of trust. “Matthias Burnett, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Norwalk, An Election Sermon, Preached at Hartford, on the Day of the Anniversary Election, May 12, 1803 (Hartford: Printed by Hudson & Goodwin, 1803), p. 27.

rights act from page 5

we’ve seen over the last few years in states across the country, efforts to suppress the vote continue and, although the tactics have changed, the goal of disfranchisement remains the same.In recent years, we’ve seen widespread efforts to suppress the vote targeting minority communities. Modern day voting restrictions like photo ID requirements, restrictions

to registration and cuts to early voting target voters who have been historically disenfranchised.ct has been protecting racial and language minorities’ access to voting. It requires jurisdictions that have a history of discriminatory voting practices to obtain approval, or preclearance, before changing their election laws.

Identification Requirements to Register to Vote


Changes Needed to Interest Young Voters

It is a sad fact that statistically young adults in the 20 something age group are not registering to vote. Their decision not to take part in the election process is individual, but many feel voting is a waste of time. They feel disenfranchised from the political system that runs our country, as if their voices are mute. With the Midterm elections coming up it is vital we interest these young adult in the political process.

Young adults feel alienated, as if their votes don’t count.

Here are some ideas to encourage youth to participate in elections. These can be arranged by parents who are active in political parties, as well as educators. It is important to combine our resources and put political differences aside. It isn’t a matter of pursing new voters for a particular party, but persuading young adults of the important to get out and vote.

1-Encourage political parties to have a youth-orientated programs with an emphasis on issues.

2-Be open to suggestions for new campaign ideas. Just because something has been done one way for decades doesn’t mean it is right for the 21st century.

3-High school students should be involved in the political process through in-school forums and discussions.

4- Fundraisers are an important source of money for any one running for office, but they are often are too expensive for the average person to attend. Have fun fund raisers at a moderate cost. Outings with family orientated games will serve a dual purpose. Funds will be raised and young adults, especially those with families, will be encouraged to participate.

5-Schools can hold mock political debates on the issues, and then mock elections.

6-Provide childcare for young adult families so they can attend political rallies.

7-Talk politics at home. You don’t have to agree. The point is to let everyone have an opinion.

8-Set an example for younger adults and vote.

9-Moderately priced fund raisers to attract more youth. This includes family style outings, and spaghetti suppers which have been successful venues for local politicians.

Information Articles from essortment.com

Tips for getting kids to vote

“Impress upon children the truth that the exercise of the elective franchise is a social duty of as solemn a nature as man can be called to perform; that a man may not innocently trifle with his vote; that every elec-tor is a trustee as well for others as himself and that every measure he supports has an important bearing on the interests of others as well as on his own. “

Daniel Webster, The Works of Daniel Webster (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1853), Vol. II, p. 108.

Ina B. doesn’t have fond memories of life as a schoolgirl, so when it came time for her own children to attend school in one of her child-hood neighborhoods, she was de-termined to give them a more posi-tive experience.

Ina grew up in North Miami with five siblings and a single mother. The family moved often, and while her mother held down three jobs at a time, it was still a struggle to sur-vive.

When Ina found out that her son and daughter, Belizaire and Felici-ty, could attend Holy Cross Lutheran School with help from Step Up schol-arships, she was excited and thank-ful to find a better fit for her children.

Both students did well at Holy Cross

and felt comfortable there. Ina attrib-uted part of their success to the staff and teachers’ dedication and to the school’s family-like environment.

The family has since moved and Be-lizaire and Felicity went on to attend Our Savior Lutheran School in Plan-tation, Fla. on the Step Up scholar-ships.

“And I feel so blessed that I still have a choice in where they go to school, even when we moved to an-other neighborhood”, Ina said of the program.

Both children consistently earn A’s and B’s and look forward to going to school each day “If it wasn’t for the scholarship, she probably wouldn’t have had as many opportunities”, Ina said.

Metthaina Pauyo, an eighth-grader at Zion Lutheran School, never quite felt at home at school until she first stepped onto the basketball court.

Metthaina previously attended her neighborhood school in Deerfield Beach through second grade. She said, she didn’t feel like she fit in, and being teased by her classmates only made matters worse.

“I didn’t feel welcome at the school,” Metthaina said. “I used to get picked on and felt like the other students didn’t like me.”

While Metthaina’s mother wanted to try a private school, she also knew she wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition.

Step Up for Students helped make that happen!

Once she began attending third grade at Zion Lutheran in Deerfield Beach, things started looking up.

With the support of her classmates and teachers, she became more involved, and began playing bas-ketball. Her coach has helped her hone her skills and she has a lot more confidence.

This year she is making straight A’s and considers math and literature her favorite subjects. The self-confidence she gained on the court spilled over into other aspects in her life, once known as a quiet and reserved young lady, Metthaina is often called into the school’s guidance office to help re-solve conflicts between her peers.

Helping people is something she is very passionate about. She already knows she wants to be a psycholo-gist and would love the opportunity to play basketball in college as well.

“I love basketball, but I also really like to help other people,” she said.

Ina counts the scholarship program as a saving grace for the future of her children. “I really, sincerely am very thankful for Step Up For Students,” Ina said. “It has been a blessing and without it, I honestly don’t know what I would do.”

Felicity & Belizaire

Metthaina Pauyo

www.FLVoicesforChoices.org

THIS AD WAS PAID FOr By FLOrIDA VOICeS FOr CHOICeS - WWW.FLVOICeSFOrCHOICeS.Org

Page thewestsidegazette.com10of the emergency that precludes the voter from going to the voter’s assigned polling place. (Exception for voters residing in an assisted living facility (s.101.655, F.S.) Ballot pickup is at the Voting Equipment Center in Lauderhill. The designee may only pick up two (2) absentee ballots per election other than his or her own, except for ballots picked up for members of his or her immediate family. The designee must provide a written authorization from the voter and complete an affidavit. A designee must present picture identification in order to pick up any absentee ballot.

Voting an Absentee Ballot The voter must personally vote the ballot (unless assistance is required due to blindness, disability or inability to read or write). The voter must sign the return envelope.

Returning an Absentee Ballot If a voter cannot mail or personally return his or her absentee ballot, someone else may return it.If you decide to vote by mail using an absentee ballot, please consider the following:*Do not allow anyone to assist you in voting unless it is a family member or trusted family friend.*Do not allow anyone else to fill out your ballot and remember to sign the voter certificate after you seal the envelope.*Do not give your ballot to a stranger - mail it yourself and make sure it is received by the elections office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day or deliver it yourself. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Election’s office no later than 7p.m. on Election Day. A VOTED BALLOT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AT A POLLING PLACE.

“Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.”James Garfield, “A Century of Congress” published in Atlantic, July 1877.

Who Can Vote an Absentee Ballot? If you are a qualified registered Broward County voter, you are entitled to vote by absentee ballot.

Requesting an Absentee BallotOne request shall be deemed sufficient to receive an absentee ballot for all elections through the next regularly scheduled 2014 General Election unless the elector or the elector’s designee indicates, at the time the request is made, the elections for which the electors desire to receive an absentee ballot. The request can be made in person,

by mail, by telephone, or fill out a request form online . Only the voter or a designated member of his or her immediate family or legal guardian can request an absentee ballot for the voter. Immediate family means the voter’s spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or sibling of the voter or of the voter’s spouse. Requests must be received by the sixth day prior to the election. A request from the voter must include the following information:

• The name of the voter for whom the ballot is requested

• The voter’s address

Absentee Ballot and Early Voting Instructions

absentee continueS on pg 12

• The voter’s date of birth

• The voter’s signature (written request only)

If the voter has designated an im-mediate family member or legal guardian to request an absentee ballot for him or herself, that des-ignee must provide the above infor-mation in addition to the following:

• The requester’s name

• The requester’s address

• The requester’s driver’s license number, if available

• The requester’s relationship to voter

• The requester’s signature (writ-ten request only)

Obtaining an Absentee Ballot Absentee ballots are mailed no later than 45 days prior to each election for overseas voters. For all other absentee voters who have requested ballots they will be mailed between 35 and 28 days before an election. Absentee ballots cannot be forwarded, but may be mailed to any location the voter chooses. Be sure the Elections office has your correct mailing address. A qualified absentee voter may designate in writing another person to pick up an absentee ballot for the voter. Pick up ballots are available, by prior request, up to five (5) days prior to the day of the election. Emergency excuse for Election Day absentee ballot delivery, except as provide in FS 101.655, limits Election Day delivery of absentee ballot to a voter or a voter’s immediate family member. If an absentee ballot is delivered, the voter must execute an affidavit as to affirming to the facts

11thewestsidegazette.com Page

Poll Workers are an important component of the elections process. Poll Workers are the front-line representation of the Supervisor of Elections office. Often, a voter may never see a SOE staff member, but will see Poll Workers at their polling location on Election Day.

Broward County Poll Workers are highly trained individuals who are active voters, serving their community and local government proudly. Poll Workers interact well with the public and work well in stressful situations. To become a Broward County Poll Worker, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be a registered voter •in Broward County .You must fill out an • Election Day Support Workers Application.You must attend a minimum of 4 hours •of training. Your stipend for working is $165 - $200 depending on the position you are assigned.

For the full list of poll worker positions and de-scriptions, please visit: http://www.broward-soe.org/

•Clerk ($200) The individual in charge of the precinct on Election Day. The Friday before the Election all Clerks are required to report to their Regional Site. They will pick up a canvas bag containing materials and documents for their assigned precinct, as well as a cell phone we

POLL WORKER continues on Page 14

What is a Poll Worker

“When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor, he betrays the interest of his country. “


further assistance, contact the Bu-reau of Voter Registration Services’ Voter Assistance Hotline (in English and Español) at (954) 357-7050 toll-free 1-866-308-6739.

What is the deadline to apply to register to vote?The registration books will be closed on the 29th day before each election and will remain closed until after that election. Those dates are listed on the website.There is a late registration dead-line if you (or accompanying fam-ily member) have been discharged or separated from the Merchant Marines or armed forces, or from employment outside the territorial United States. You can still register up until 5 p.m. on the Friday before election in the Supervisor of Elec-tions’ office. Contact your Super-visor of Elections 954- 357-7050 http://www.browardsoe.org/for more information and to obtain the

form you have to complete.

Can I register to vote if I am a law-ful permanent resident?No. Only U.S. citizens can register or vote in Florida. To be a U.S. citi-zen, you must be born in the United States or certain U.S. territories, be born to U.S. citizen parents, or be naturalized. Although a lawful permanent resident (commonly re-ferred to as a “green card holder”) has the right to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis, he or she cannot register or vote.

What kind of identification do I need to bring to the polls?When you go to the polling place to vote, you will be asked to pro-vide a current and valid picture identification with a signature. Ap-proved forms of picture identifica-tion are: Florida driver’s license;

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual--or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country. “Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, Harry Alonzo Cushing, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907), Vol. IV, p. 256.

q&a continues on Page 13

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If you requested an absentee ballot and later decide to VOTE AT THE POLLS, take your absentee ballot with you to be cancelled at your poll-ing place.

Early VotingFlorida State Statue 101.657 (Effective 01/01/14) Expands minimum hours per day from 6 to 8, maximum hours remain the same 12 hours per day. Increases possible days – Minimum must begin on the 10th day and end on the 3rd day before an election that contains federal or state races on the ballot. The SOE may offer early voting on the 15th, 14th, 13th, 12th, 11th, or 2nd day before such an election. Expands existing permissible sites (existing

sites include SOE main and branch offices, city halls, public libraries) to also include fairgrounds, civic centers, courthouses, county commission buildings, stadiums, convention centers, government-owned senior center, or government-owned community centers. Allows Supervisor of Elections to designate one additional site per election in an area of the county that does not have an eligible early voting location. This site must be geographically located to provide all voters in that area with an equal opportunity to cast a ballot. Requires each county to maintain at a minimum the same number of early voting sites for a general election it operated for the 2012 general election.

Who can register to vote?In order to register to vote, a per-son must:Be a citizen of the United States of America (a lawful permanent resi-dent is not a U.S. citizen for regis-tration and voting purposes);

Be a Florida resident;o Be 18 years old (you may pre-o register if you are 16 years old);Not now be adjudicated men-o tally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having had your voting rights restored;Not have been convicted of a o felony in Florida, or any other state, without your civil rights having been restored;Provide your current and valid o

Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number.

If you do not have a current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a FL DL#, FL ID card#, or SSN, write “NONE” in the box provided on the voter registration application.

How can I find out if I am regis-tered?You can find out your voter registra-tion status online at the Division of Elections’ Voter Information Lookup. You can also contact your county Supervisor of Elections’ office. If you unable to find information or need

Voting Questions and Answers


State Representative Thurston issues the following statement:

I have fought for Floridians as a Trial Attorney and State Representative and currently the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives. With the communities’ support I am eager to continue the fight for healthcare, education, voting rights, and an end to stand your ground.

I need your support to become Florida’s next Attorney General. Please vote August 26th, 2014.

Thank You,Perry Thurston

“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particu-lar sect or denomination of the candidate--look to his character. “Noah Webster, Letters to a Young Gentleman Commencing His Education to Which is Subjoined a Brief History of the United States (New Haven: S. Con-verse, 1823), p. 18.

q&a from page 12Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; United States passport; debit or credit card; military iden-tification; student identifi-cation; retirement center identification; neighbor-hood association identi-fication; and public as-sistance identification. (Section 101.043, F.S.) If the picture identification does not contain a sig-nature, you will be asked to provide an additional identification with your signature.

Can I still vote if I do not

bring identification?Yes. You should not be turned away from the polls because you do not bring identification. If you do not have the proper identification, you will be allowed to vote a provi-sional ball.

How do I request an ab-sentee ballot?First, assuming you are already registered, you must request an absentee ballot. Refer to the answer to the question “How do I request an absentee bal-lot?” Once your request is on record, you will receive an absentee ballot either


“The rational and peacable instrument of reform, the suffrage of the people. “Thomas Jefferson, The Jeffersonian Cyclopedia, John P. Foley, ed. (New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1900), p. 842.

mous impact on our children’s fu-ture.

Without minimizing the importance of the presidential election, it is also important to vote in your state and local elections as well. Do you complain about the policies of your children’s school? If so, ask your-self, “Did I vote for the members of our school board? Do I even know the members of the school board?” Change starts at a grass roots level whether you live on a farm or in the inner city, and all change starts by electing people to implement change, whether it is a mayor or a president.

Remember, too, when you are un-happy with the condition of your town’s roads or your state’s tax rate, being involved, voting for and knowing your elected officials will enable you to voice your complaints to the appropriate representatives. You voted for them and they work for you.

Some other useless reasons for not

voting ares that the polls are too crowded, or you cannot get there on time, or you do not have trans-portation. There are many organi-zations that volunteer their time to enssure everyone’s right to vote. If you need a ride, call the League of Women Voters; if you know you can-not get to the polls on time, request an absentee ballot. What could be easier than voting by mail?

Whether the excuse is apathy or la-ziness, voting has become a privi-lege that far many too Americans take for granted. The next time you neglect to vote, ask yourself how you would feel if you didn’t have a choice - to elect a president, or choose a job, or decide how many children to have. There are many countries where a person does not have a choice, and I’m sure they would gladly change places with you for the fundamental privilege of voting!

Information comes from essortment.com

Importance from page 4

college from page 3 poll WorKerS from page 11

Student Life office to see if they are running shuttles or if there are any carpooling initiatives involved for reaching the polling place. Lastly, if you don’t have transportation to your local polling place, see if you can vote by mail.

Where can I get more info on the issues that affect college students?College students are a critical - and very large - voting constituency who are often at the forefront of political activism. (It’s not an accident presidential debates are historically held on college campuses!) Most campuses have programs and events, put on by campus or local political parties and

campaigns, that explain different candidates’ views on certain issues. For more information, you can also visit some great online resources aimed at younger voters, likeRock the Vote and Project Vote Smart. You can also check out the websites for political parties, which have information in issues, candidates, and initiatives.

provide for communication purposes to our office for voter eligibility questions. When Election Day has ended the bag and specific supplies is to be returned back to the Regional Site. The Voting System Technician will contact the Clerk to make arrangements with the Clerk to visit the precinct to preset it up before Election Day.

Assistant Clerk ($170)• The role of the Assistant Clerk is to assist the Clerk in all his/her duties; take over for the Clerk in the event they cannot perform their duties; primarily Assistant Clerk’s role is to assist all voters who may need to execute a Provisional Ballot.

Voting System •Technician (VST) ($200) The VST is responsible for setting up the ADA iVotronic unit and the DS200 optical scanner. VST will be responsible for and trained to open, troubleshoot, and close the equipment on Election Day. They instruct the voter how to insert the ballot into the optical scanner, and assists the visually impaired voter how to insert their ballot into the optical scanner, and assist the visually impaired voter with the execution of an audio ballot. (Read full description online).

For more information on poll workers, please visit http://www.browardsoe.org

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