Monday, November 3, 2008

MASS VOTERS: Voting info and if you have trouble..



If you have a problem voting, call the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

If you live in Boston, and need a ride to the polls, call MassVOTE at 617-542-8683.

MassVOTE.org

Here are some voting Q&A:

Where do I vote?


Click on this link to the Secretary of State's office, type in your
address and it will give you the information about your assigned
polling place. It will also give you a list of links to your state and federal elected officials.


http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php


Can I still register to vote?


No, the deadline for registration in Massachusetts was October 15th.
But, you can go to this site, download the form and register today so
you will be ready for the next election.




http://www.eac.gov/voter/Register%20to%20Vote

What time are the poles open?


The poles open at 7 am and close at 8 pm. Voters in line at 8 pm will be allowed to vote.

Do I need ID to vote?

Maybe, maybe not. If you have registered recently you may be asked for
ID. And, if your right to vote is challenged, a photo ID may be handy
to have.


Our advice is to bring both a photo ID and proof of residence. The
state website talks about what ID to bring. "Acceptable identification
must include your name and the address at
which you are registered to vote, for example: a current and valid
driver’s license, photo identification, current utility bill, bank
statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document
showing your name and address.


What if they can't find my name on the registered voter list?

This one is so important that we're going to quote exactly what the
Secretary of State's office says at the link provided in details below.


If you think you may have a problem, print out that page and take it with you to the poles.


"Ask the election officer in charge of the polling place to check
your registration by looking at the inactive voter's list and by
checking to see if you are registered in another precinct in that
municipality.




If they still cannot find your name, you may
go to city or town hall to attempt to establish your identity as a
registered voter or you may cast a provisional ballot.




To
cast a provisional ballot, you must execute a provisional ballot
affirmation before a precinct officer at the polling place declaring
that you are a registered voter in the city or town and reside within
the geographical boundaries of said precinct. You must also show
suitable identification.




After the election, the local
election official will search for records to confirm your voter
registration. If your eligibility is confirmed, your ballot will be
counted. If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, your ballot will
remain sealed in an envelope until such time as it is required to be
kept and then will be destroyed without being viewed."




How do I file a complaint about a the election process?

There is a national site that has the information about the process for filing complaints in every state.


http://www.eac.gov/voter/state-complaint-procedures/election/complaints



Originally posted in "The Circuitree", a spew of thoughts and media by Sam Schwartz.

Monday, October 27, 2008

New Fall photos

I've got some images posted from the Topsfield Fair, the Allston Street Fair and the Boston Ahts Festival (most just glass blowing demonstration).

More fall foliage and scenes from NYC to come.

TOPSFIELD FAIR




ALLSTON STREET FAIR / BOSTON AHTS


Thursday, October 16, 2008

Enjoying Fall This Weekend (10/18/-10/19)

Here are some fun outdoor things going on this weekend. Because I play softball on Saturdays I might only make it to this stuff on Sunday, but either way, seems like lots of fun.

Boston Pumpkin Festival

Going.com

CITY HALL PLAZA: Saturday.
When a Guinness World Record and 30,000+ pumpkins are on the line, it's pretty safe to say that not all these jack-o-lanterns are going to be prize-winning pieces of artistic prowess. Nevertheless, we'll be checking 'em out this Saturday.


Fort Point Open Studios: 249 A Street Coop

Website: http://www.fortpointarts.org/

Friday 4-7pm, Sat and Sunday 11-6pm.

Come visit the studios of 200 artists, explore our unique and evolving neighborhood, and discover new artists and treasured favorites.
Tour studios, meet artists, see public art outside, performance, and more, and participate in hands on art projects. All of our studios are within easy walking distance of each other, and we have plenty of free parking. Open Studios events attract about 10,000 visitors to our neighborhood, offering the public a rare glimpse into the living and working spaces of artists.

Head of the Charles: Regatta
Saturday and Sunday from BU to a bit past the Eliot Bridge along the Charles.

From Going.com: "You haven't "done" Boston until you've rounded up Muffy and Chaz from the country club, casually draped a sweater around your shoulders and proclaimed this year's regatta to be "the best display of coxmanship" you've seen since your days in New Haven."

Rowing isn't really my thing but I like roller blading or biking down Memorial so this might be a fun day to do this and take some photos of the rowers.

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