As voters prepare to cast their ballots on Election Day this Tuesday, Common Cause launched its nonpartisan voter protection program. The program features nonpartisan poll monitors stationed in three Southern California counties, including those with Department of Justice monitors, in addition to its bilingual hotline available to all California voters as they navigate the election process.

“Voters should make their voices heard in this year’s special election, which will have unprecedented national consequences,” said Darius Kemp, Executive Director of California Common Cause. “That’s why our friendly, nonpartisan experts and volunteers are available to help voters navigate the process. We encourage all voters to add 866-OUR-VOTE into their phones so they can call or text if they run into any issues.” 

Voters who encounter any issues can call or text the hotline to connect with experts who can help. The hotline is available in the following languages: 

• ENGLISH: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683  
• SPANISH: 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682  
• ASIAN LANGUAGES: 888-API-VOTE / 888-274-8683  
• ARABIC: 844-YALLA-US / 844-925-5287 

Staffed by attorneys and legal experts familiar with the California Election Code and federal voting rights law, the hotline offers live assistance to voters by answering questions, addressing concerns, troubleshooting issues, and dispelling misinformation. To visit the election protection website, click here. 

Voters should know: 

• Voters can vote in person or return their ballot at a polling place, vote center, or drop box or through USPS. Common Cause recommends voting early and tracking your ballot through Where’s My Ballot?.  
• California offers same-day voter registration, so if someone needs to register or update their registration, they are still able to make their voices heard on Election Day at their polling place or vote center.
• Polling locations will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any voter in line to vote at 8 p.m. must be allowed to vote. 

Common Cause’s program is part of a national, nonpartisan voter assistance effort, coordinated by a coalition of over 100 sponsoring organizations, that began in 2000 after the Bush v. Gore voting confusion. In 2020, more than 46,000 Common Cause volunteers helped answer questions and solve voters’ problems.