Most ACLU election hotline calls involve misunderstandings with poll workers
By William Joy, KMBC 9 News
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — We are quickly approaching Election Day, and there have been changes to voting laws in both Missouri and Kansas.
During the primaries, the Kansas ACLU had more than 100 calls to its voter hotline to report issues at the polls.
They expect many more for the midterms.
"No charge. No questions asked. Just come and report what happened," said Ellen Glover with the ACLU.
Glover works with the ACLU on campaigns to encourage people to vote, and make sure they can cast a ballot without issues.
"Especially here in Kansas, we've had a lot of changing law around voting," she said.
The biggest change being that proof of citizenship is no longer required at the polls.
"It was a big burden and a hurdle that was blocking a lot of voters," Glover said. "A lot of seniors and a lot of veterans."
Glover said most of the calls they take are misunderstandings with poll workers.
"Often times they're honest mistakes," she said. "I think the people working the polls are working hard, and they're everyday people like you and me."
A team of election lawyers will be standing by to sort out anything from issues with ID's, to fixing long lines.
"You shouldn't have to stand in line for an inordinate amount of time, especially for people who have to go back to work, or people who have kids waiting at home," Glover said.
Regardless of party, regardless of the issue, if you have a problem on Election Day, the ACLU wants to help on both sides of the border.
"Really, it's about resolving those problems in the moment so every vote can be counted," Glover said.
If you need help on Election Day, you can call the ACLU at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.