Grassroot Campaigns Organize To Educate Voters
PHILADELPHIA,PA (CBS) -- Grassroots groups are coming together to counter some reports about out of town poll watchers headed to Philadelphia on Election Day.
"The information has got to get out at ground level," said Joe Certaine, who leads the Otavius V Catto Voter Empowerment Initiative, which brings together area churches and civil rights groups in a non-partisan effort to educate voters.
One goal is to quell recent fears rooted in campaign rhetoric- about rigged systems and rumors of rouge poll watchers targeting Philadelphia.
"Out of town poll watchers of that type will lead to nothing but confusion."
To avoid confusion, the group is disseminating 'Know Your Rights' handouts, with key information.
"Whether or not they can be challenged, who's allowed in the polling place, if somebody tries to interfere with their right to vote."
The initiative is training volunteers that'll man a call center and will deploy lawyers, to deal with breaches. The Election Protection hotline number is 866-ourvote.
