Reform Institute Partners in Assisting Voters

Washington, DC, October 29, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Reform Institute a Key Partner in 877-GO-CNN-08 Voter Hotline.

The Reform Institute, a non-partisan public policy organization, today announced its involvement in the 877-GO-CNN-08 voter hotline. The toll-free hotline will provide voters with critical information and allow them to report problems at the polls.

With this year’s election generating considerable interest and likely record voter turnout, including a substantial number of first time voters, the hotline will play a key role in providing vital information for both voters and observers.

“The 877-GO-CNN-08 hotline will be a valuable resource for voters in a historic election expected to see record turnout,” stated Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. “Providing voters with their polling place location and putting them in contact with their local election offices will empower voters, especially those casting ballots for the first time, and help to ensure an orderly voting process. Allowing voters to report problems at the polls will also aid in identifying any Election Day trouble spots in real time.”

Similar hotlines in recent elections have revealed that the lack of basic information, particularly poll location or registration status, is the greatest barrier to voter participation. The hotline will allow voters calling 877-GOCNN-08 (877-462-6608) to ascertain their appropriate voting location as well as connect with their local election offices in order to get information such is if they are indeed registered to vote. Callers will also be able to record messages reporting problems at the polls as they occur, which will assist authorities and observers in determining and locating problem areas.

“Utilizing advanced telecommunications technology the 877-GO-CNN-08 hotline will provide critical information for voters, election officials and media,” according to Ken Smukler, President of InfoVoter Technologies, Inc., the technology provider for the hotline. “The 877-GO-CNN-08 hotline is a model for providing important information to voters and improving election administration.”

CNN is actively promoting the hotline. “Having CNN as the media partner will ensure that voters around the country know about the hotline and are able to utilize this resource,” said Ms. Martinez.

The 877-GOCNN-08 hotline is now active and will remain so through November 4. The hotline also has Spanish language capabilities. Updates on voting problems based on calls to the hotline will be available throughout Election Day at http://www.reforminstitute.org. The Institute is also working with the NAACP National Voter Fund in this non-partisan effort.

The Reform Institute has been a leader in advancing reforms that promote open and fair elections and enhance transparency and accountability in the political process. To arrange to speak with Reform Institute experts, please contact Chris Dreibelbis at 703-535-6897 x 12 or via email at chris@reforminstitute.org.

The Reform Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit educational organization working to strengthen the foundations of our democracy and build a resilient society. The Institute formulates and advocates valuable, solutions-based reform in vital areas of public policy, including homeland and national security, energy and environmental progress, economic opportunity and competitiveness, immigration policy, and governance and election reform. Visit our website at www.reforminstitute.org.

###
Contact
Reform Institute
Chris Dreibelbis
703-535-6897
www.reforminstitute.org
ContactContact
Categories