SPLC: Every Eligible American Should Vote and Every Vote Cast Must Be Counted

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The following statement is by Nancy Abudu, deputy legal director of Voting Rights for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), ahead of Election Day:

“In this unprecedented election season - amid a pandemic, social protests against racial injustice, and a polarizing race for our nation’s presidency - we have already seen a record number of Americans across the country cast their ballots by mail or early in-person. While the 2020 Election is already looking different than any election during our lifetimes, unnecessary difficulties to voting continue to present themselves. Voters continue to overcome these obstacles in record numbers, but they shouldn’t have to. 

“It is imperative for voters to remember that if they are in line before voting closes, they have the right to remain in line and cast their ballots. They cannot be turned away. If a voter has any other issues casting their ballot or faces intimidation, they should call the election protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

“At the end of this year’s election season, we cannot stress enough the importance of every American voting to make their voices heard and every vote being counted. It may take some time for election officials to accurately and transparently count every ballot cast legally and report those results. Democracy is too important to jump to unverified conclusions.”