A reminder of your voting rights

This article by Ron Gettelfinger at DetNews.com summarizes what every eligible voter in the United States should know about their voting rights when they go to the polls on Tuesday. He notes that voter suppression is an active strategy taken by some to manipulate the outcome of the day.

Gettelfinger also reminds us:

A new federal law, the Help America Vote Act of 2004, guarantees a provisional ballot to voters whose names do not appear on the registration rolls. So even if an election worker claims that you are not eligible to vote, you have the right to cast a ballot. If it is later determined that you are eligible, your vote will be counted.

Also:

Your voting rights include:

The right to vote free from harassment. No one can harass or intimidate you while you are voting. For example, there is no reason for anyone to ask you about child support, debts or any other matter in a polling place.

The election officials at your polling station are obligated to protect you from harassment. If there's a problem, voters can call a nationwide Election Protection Lawyer Hotline, (866) OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), to report harassment and other election abuses.

Sample ballot or endorsement card. You have the right to carry voting materials into the polling booth.

Right to vote when polls close. If you are in line when the polls officially close, you have the right to vote.

Right to take your time. Don't be rushed by others in line or poll workers.

Right to correct mistakes. If you think you've made a mistake before casting a ballot on paper or on an electronic touch-screen machine, you can ask for help and a new ballot.

Right to assistance. A disability or the inability to read or write does not prevent an American from voting. You may have a person of your choosing -- in Michigan, not an employer or union agent -- help you cast a ballot. You also have the right to see a sample ballot and be instructed on the voting process.