MORGANTOWN — Students from West Virginia University College of Law will staff the 2020 Election Protection Hotline with members of the American Civil Liberties Union-West Virginia.
The purpose of the hotline is to help citizens with issues when attempting to vote.
Ian Shoulders, a second-year law student at West Virginia University College of Law, president of ACLU WVU Law Chapter and a board member of ACLU-West Virginia, said they want to help voters not run into any issues.
“It’s a contentious race and we expect that a lot of people who might have been disinterested or apathetic towards voting might be doing it for the first time year," Shoulders said. And then, obviously, the pandemic has changed a lot for everyone and so, you know, on Election Day we will be on the phones making sure that people that want to vote are able to do it without any major issues.”
Aliah Hasan, another second-year law student, said she hopes the hotline will make a difference.
“No one understands better than young people how important this election is, but, I think, the question often becomes 'What can I do?'…'How can I contribute?' and the Election Protection Hotline and initiative by the ACLU — not only is it providing an essential resource for the community, it is also giving law students an opportunity to really make a tangible difference in their community outside of, you know, the classroom," Hasan said. "I would encourage all students to find that opportunity for them.”
People who plan on voting in the election on Tuesday, people who have questions about voting rights and poll workers are encouraged to call the hotline.
The students and ACLU-West Virginia staff will assist callers with questions about lack of access to polling places, issues at polling places, voter registration questions, voter identification requirements and other issues.
The hotline can be accessed at 304-355-5012.