Rock the Vote

Don’t mind me. I’m just the girl that almost missed Wednesday night REfresh. I said ALMOST. Relax ya’ll. Wednesday’s panel was not about scripture and memorizing verses. St. Luke went beyond merely talking about racial injustice and inequality and hosted a panel to educate the church and community about absentee voting in the upcoming general election. Fun fact: I used an absentee ballot in 2008 to vote in the Presidential election. I was doing a travel assignment in Houston and was unable to travel back to Arkansas to vote. I wanted to make sure that my vote was counted. I forgot about that until I listened to the panel. Anywho…on to absentee voting.

The panel was hosted by Attorney Latonya Austin Honorable. She was joined by Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk, Terri Hollingsworth, and Pulaski County Election Commissioner, Joshua Price. If they couldn’t tell us about absentee voting, I don’t know who could. If you are not in Pulaski County, Arkansas, you can search for the circuit/county clerk in your area or the county election commissioner in your area for your own personal reference. I know…you have to put forth an effort. At least I pointed you in the right direction.

Voter turn out is often poor when there is NOT a pandemic. COVID-19 numbers are skyrocketing in the state of Arkansas and throughout much of the nation. Absentee voting is one option for those who are steering away from the polls because of health concerns this fall. HOWEVER…absentee voting has guidelines that must be followed. First things first. You must be a registered voter. In the state of Arkansas, you can go to voterview.org to check your voter registration status. There you will find the current address that you are registered under. Make sure that your information is up to date. Being proactive will ensure that you have everything in order prior to election day.

After making sure that you are a registered voter, you can contact your county clerk’s office for an absentee ballot application. There are numerous ways to submit your application. You can e-mail, fax, mail, or go to the office in person. Make sure all parts of the application are accurate. Use your legal name and most current address. This information may later prove to be invaluable if your ballot is contested.

After your absentee ballot application is submitted, you can check with your county clerk to make sure that they received your information. When your ballot arrives, the ball is in your court. The state of Arkansas requires that you send in a photocopy of your identification along with your ballot. Honestly, absentee voting requires a true commitment. It requires follow-through. Whether you choose absentee voting or in-person voting at the polls, please choose to vote.

Attorney Latonya Honorable shared that there will be a Rally of Restoration on the steps of the Circuit Courthouse on August, 6, 2020. Felons that have served their time are able to have their voting rights restored. The rally will assist those that need help restoring their rights.

Important Dates in Pulaski County, Arkansas:

Last day to register to vote for November 2020 Election: October 5, 2020

Early voting starts: October 19, 2020

Last day to apply for absentee ballot for November 2020 Election: October 27, 2020

General Election Day: November 3, 2020

Side note: I just feel like saying that these are your church announcements. Govern yourselves accordingly. #wepreach