PORTSMOUTH – Open Democracy NH brought its message of safe voting in the time of COVID-19 to Portsmouth on Sunday.
The group organized a walk from Lafayette Plaza on Route 1, to downtown Portsmouth. They also set up a series of sign messages that drivers on Route 1 would see. The group hoped to promote absentee voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are setting up messages Burma-Shave style," said Olivia Zink, executive director of Open Democracy, referring to the iconic billboards of the 1950s and 1960s advertising shaving cream through often humorous, sequential signs.
"Don’t let COVID-19 keep you from voting this fall," said Brian Beihl, deputy director of Open Democracy. "People can vote at home by absentee ballot and keep themselves and poll workers safer. They can apply now."
Recent COVID-19 accommodations by New Hampshire's secretary of state and attorney general allow voters to use an absentee ballot for the Sept. 8 state primary and Nov. 3 general elections. Zink said many people are not aware that absentee voting is an option for them.
All of the people taking part in the Open Democracy action wore bright yellow vests and face coverings. Many of the masks were cloth, with a money print.
"Open Democracy was a movement started by Granny D," Zink said, referring to Doris Haddock, a N.H. political activist and 2004 Democratic Senate candidate. "She walked across the country to carry her message that big money does not belong in politics. We walk every year, normally on that message. This year, because of COVID-19, we felt it was important to talk about voting safely."
Wearing her money mask and a large Granny D-style straw hat, Derry resident Corinne Dodge said she will vote by absentee ballot.
"Because of COVID-19, I do not want to have to make a choice between voting or risking my health and safety," said Dodge. "I think what Open Democracy does is so important. I believe big money does not belong in politics and have walked for that message. I think it is important for people’s voices to be heard and absentee voting is a way we can do it safer for everyone this year."
"I think our message is important, extra so this year," said Bob Perry, a board member for Open Democracy. "We are facing a challenging election this fall. I know people always say – it is an important election year, but I think that message is much more important this year. I do not want people to decide not to vote because of fear of COVID-19. I want them to know how they can do it and still feel safe."
Zink said there is a box on the absentee ballot form where people can check disabilities as a reason to request an absentee ballot. The N.H. Legislature also has passed HB 1266 that creates a new box on the form to request an absentee ballot using COVID-19 as the reason for the request.
Gov. Chris Sununu, who last year vetoed a bill to expand absentee voting, has signaled he will sign this measure. Zink said the group still supports in-person voting at the polls, adding voting by absentee ballot this fall will save lives.
Open Democracy handed out absentee ballot applications on Sunday. Anyone interested can apply through their city or town hall website, or on the New Hampshire secretary of state website at sos.nh.gov. They can request a ballot for September and another for November. If HB 1266 is signed, it will allow one application for both elections.
To apply for an absentee ballot, download a PDF absentee ballot application, fill it out completely and check "disability" as a reason for requesting a ballot, per the direction of the secretary of state's office. Sign it in ink and mail it back to your clerk's office. The ballot will be mailed about 3-5 weeks prior to Election Day.
Links to applications and additional instructions on absentee ballot voting can be found at OpenDemocracyNH.org/absentee.
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July 06, 2020 at 03:47AM
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