A special hotline for Oklahomans who have any issues at their polling places this election day will be open Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. By calling 405-524-2296 on those days, voters will be put in direct contact with an American Civil Liberties Union representative to assist them.

1.         Check your voter registration status as soon as possible.
2.         Vote before Election Day if you can.
3.         Locate your polling place before Election Day.
4.         Plan ahead if you need special assistance.
5.         Don’t wear political attire to the polls.
6.         Bring some form of identification if you have it.
7.         Vote early in the day.
8.         Follow all instructions.
9.         Ask for help if you need it.
10.       Take your time.

Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Michael Clingman said the rule about political attire is in place as a courtesy to other voters.

“We do not necessarily turn voters in political shirts away,” Clingman said. “But, they are usually asked to cover up or take their button off.”

Clingman added that all Oklahoma counties are advised similarly in regards to regulating political garb.

Again, with any Election Day questions or concerns, please contact the ACLU of Oklahoma at 405-524-2296.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND FREE SPEECH BALANCED IN TULSA

A group with a history of blocking the entrance to an abortion and reproductive health clinic in Tulsa announced its plan to protest at the clinic again on October 18. The management of the clinic, Reproductive Services, voiced its concern to the Tulsa Police Department that the protestors would block its entrance by parading on the sidewalk across the facility’s driveway. The Tulsa police, citing potential liability for restricting freedom of speech and assembly, expressed reluctance to limit the movement of the protestors across the driveway.

The director of the clinic contacted Rex Friend, a cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Oklahoma. Friend, a lawyer well-versed and experienced in protecting the rights of protestors, received guidance from the state ACLU office and the ACLU National Reproductive Freedom Project. He then provided case law to the clinic, and the material was provided to the Tulsa police.

As a result of clarifying the rights of the protesters balanced with the rights of clients to access the clinic, the demonstration occurred as planned with one exception. The protesters did not attempt to block the clinic’s driveway and the police were present to insure that the rights of all parties were not infringed. Both free speech and reproductive freedom were protected as a result of this compromise.

Shelton to receive Angie Debo Award (9/22/2008)
District 97 Representative picked by the ACLU for prestigious distinction

Oklahoma City, OK – The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma would like to congratulate District 97 Representative Mike Shelton as the recipient of the Angie Debo Civil Liberties Award, to be presented November 8, at the ACLU Bill of Rights Banquet. Named for the late Dr. Angie Debo, a noted educator, author, and activist, the award is given annually to an individual whose actions during the year or throughout a lifetime have helped to preserve individual freedom in Oklahoma.

Former felon’s voting rights questioned (9/12/2008)
ACLU of Oklahoma to have press conference regarding inappropriate communication from county election boards

Oklahoma City – The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma will speak to the media on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. about the disenfranchisement of voting rights for former felons. The deadline to register for the presidential election is Oct. 10, making this issue even timelier.

After a felon has completed their time served and restitution, they are free to register again and vote. A large number of county election boards involved in a 2005 survey conducted by the ACLU of Oklahoma gave incorrect information about the voting rights of former felons. This misinformation ranged from having no documents discussing the voting process of these members of society, to stating that former felons never regained the right to vote.

The ACLU of Oklahoma believes a functioning democracy must be properly educated on its rights, and former felons are a part of our democracy.

The press conference will be at the ACLU of Oklahoma conference room, 3000 Paseo Drive in Oklahoma City. Please contact Katy Jones if attending.