When registering voters, these are some of the conversations you will have
People that have recently moved (Part I)
Volunteer: I just wanted to make sure that you are registered to vote and that six weeks ago you got your primary ballot. Did you?
Citizen: Yes. I am registered.
Volunteer: Good did you get your primary ballot?
Citizen: No, but I know I am registered. I register this last summer when I got my drivers license, and I got a voter ID card in the mail.
Volunteer: Have you moved recently?
Citizen: Yeah, I did.
Volunteer: Then we need to re-register you.
People that have recently moved (Part II)
Volunteer: I just wanted to make sure Sir that you are registered to vote and that six weeks ago you got your primary ballot. Did you?
Citizen: Yes. I am registered.
Volunteer: Good did you get your primary ballot?
Citizen: Yes, and I voted for Barack Obama.
Volunteer: That is good . . . but did you get your ballot about six weeks ago?
Citizen: Was there an election?
Volunteer: Yes . . . there was a primary election. When and where did you last register?
Citizen: Hmmm . . . . it would probably have been in Bellingham about six years ago.
Volunteer: Well then . . . we need to update your voter registration to your new address in Spokane.
Getting ready to move
Volunteer: I just wanted to make sure Sir that you are registered to vote and that six weeks ago you got your primary ballot. Did you?
Citizen: Yes, I am registered, and I voted in the August Primary. But I am moving in one week. How can I be sure that I will get my ballot?
Volunteer: Call Spokane County Elections immediately and tell them your new address. There number is 509-477-2320.
The unaware
Volunteer: I just want to make sure Sir that you are registered to vote and that six weeks ago you got your primary ballot. Did you?
Citizen: No, I am not registered. It doesn’t matter.
Volunteer: Actually, I know of people who lost their bus route because not enough working class people voted. Another lost their unemployment benefits. And yet another lost their student financial aid and their health care because not enough working class and low income people voted.
Citizen: Well . . . okay. I will register.
People with Felony Convictions
Volunteer: I just wanted to make sure Sir that you are registered and getting your ballot. Are you?
Citizen: I cannot vote.
Volunteer: Are you illegible to register to vote?
Citizen: No.
Volunteer: Was in a problem with the courts?
Citizen: Well . . . um . . . yes. I’m a felon. I can never vote again.
Volunteer: Actually mam . . . the Democrats in Olympia just changed the law. Once you are out of jail and off of Community Custody, you can register.
Citizen: No . . . I cann’t. My parol officer told me I couldn’t.
Volunteer: He told you incorrectly. I have the information right here from the Secretary of State. Here it is.
Are you off of Community Custody?
Volunteer: Yes, I have been for six years.
Citizen: Well then I can register you right now. By the way, you are not a felon. You are a person with a felony in his distant past. You are a person