# data[].attributes.headline
Harvard Medical Grand Rounds 10/15 @8am EDT

# data[].attributes.subject
Harvard Medical Grand Rounds 10/15 @8am EDT

# data[].attributes.body
“Safe Voting in a Pandemic: Challenges, Innovations, and the Role of Healthcare Professionals”
Clip the link below to view the recording

# data[].attributes.headline
"What's at Stake? Health Implications of the Election" Panel 10/26/20

# data[].attributes.subject
"What's at Stake? Health Implications of the Election" Panel 10/26/20

# data[].attributes.body
Click the link below to watch the recording

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.

# data[].attributes.body
Boston early voting polling locations and schedules. Voting early in person ends 10/30.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For the State Election on Tuesday, November 3, the early voting period starts on Saturday, October 17, and runs through Friday, October 30.

The early voting period for the 2020 State Election takes place from Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30. During that time, voters registered in Boston will be able to cast their ballots in person before the State Election on Tuesday, November 3.

Any voter registered in Boston can vote at any early voting location. You don't need an excuse or reason to vote early. Learn more about early voting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Early voting locations in Boston for 2020 State Election

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The early voting period for the 2020 State Election takes place from Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30. During that time, voters registered in Boston will be able to cast their ballots in person before the State Election on Tuesday, November 3. Any voter registered in Boston can vote at any early voting location.

# data[].attributes.body
Click below for content and resources related to Constitution Day

# data[].attributes.body
Click below to check your voter registration, request a mail-in ballot, sign up for text alerts, and find resources to discuss voting with patients and clients

# data[].attributes.body
Local Boston voting resources & professional resources for health care professionals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Email or Letter?

It depends on the urgency of the issue.

Handwritten letters always receive more attention than preprinted materials. So if you are writing about a general inquiry or topic, taking the extra time to send a physical letter may be worth it.

That said, consider the urgency of the matter. If you are writing concerning a pending vote, email is your best option as security screenings may delay receipt of a physical letter by up to three weeks.

What happens to emails and letters once they arrive? A legislative correspondent reads the messages and verifies if the sender is a constituent. Messages are then routed or tallied:

Important or compelling correspondence is given to a legislative assistant.

Unique and moving messages are shared with the member of Congress.

A summary of emails and letters received is given at an issue briefing before a vote.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Write a Letter or Email to Your Member of Congress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It depends on the urgency of the issue. Handwritten letters always receive more attention than preprinted materials. So if you are writing about a general inquiry or topic, taking the extra time to send a physical letter may be worth it. That said, consider the urgency of the matter.

# data[].attributes.body
Click below to hear members of the IHP community share why voting matters to them, healthcare, and their profession.

# data[].attributes.body
Click below to make a physical plan for voting in 2020

# data[].attributes.body
Click below to make a social plan for voting in 2020 & resources for social support

# data[].attributes.headline
Exercise your 1st amendment right to protest

# data[].attributes.subject
Exercise your 1st amendment right to protest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you're prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.

I'm organizing a protest

Your rights

Do I need a permit?

You don't need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don't obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don't have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.

Certain types of events may require permits. These include a march or parade that requires blocking traffic or street closure; a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or a rally over a certain size at most parks or plazas.

While certain permit procedures require submitting an application well in advance of the planned event, police can't use those procedures to prevent a protest in response to breaking news events.

Restrictions on the route of a march or sound equipment might violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or public safety, or if they interfere significantly with effective communication to the intended audience.

A permit cannot be denied because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views.

If the permit regulations that apply to your protest require a fee for a permit, they should allow a waiver for those who cannot afford the charge.

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

I'm attending a protest

Your rights

Your rights are strongest in what are known as "traditional public forums," such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for.

Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner.

Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another.

When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video.

You don't need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don't obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don't have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

What happens if the police issues an order to disperse the protest?

Shutting down a protest through a dispersal order must be law enforcement's last resort. Police may not break up a gathering unless there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, interference with traffic, or other immediate threat to public safety.

If officers issue a dispersal order, they must provide a reasonable opportunity to comply, including sufficient time and a clear, unobstructed exit path.

Individuals must receive clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, including how much time they have to disperse, the consequences of failing to disperse, and what clear exit route they can follow, before they may be arrested or charged with any crime.

I want to take pictures or shoot video at a protest

Your rights

When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. (On private property, the owner may set rules about photography or video.)

Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.

If you are videotaping, be aware that there is an important legal distinction between a visual photographic record (fully protected) and the audio portion of a videotape, which some states have tried to regulate under state wiretapping laws.

What to do if you are stopped or detained for taking photographs

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

I was stopped by the police while protesting

Your rights

Stay calm. Make sure to keep your hands visible. Don't argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else's activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions.

Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.

If you are under arrest, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.

You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you're calling your lawyer, police are not allowed to listen.

You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.

Police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest.

Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Know Your Rights | Protesters' Rights | ACLU

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you're prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.

# data[].attributes.headline
Testify at a Boston City Council meeting

# data[].attributes.subject
Testify at a Boston City Council meeting

# data[].attributes.body
Check with your local government to find out how this works in your city/town!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to testify at a City Council hearing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We welcome public input at City Council committee hearings. You have three options:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are appreciative to workelections.com for providing a majority of data for this lookup tool. If you are an election official, and the information for your jurisdiction needs to be updated, please email the EAC at helpamericavote@eac.gov

While specific duties and compensation vary depending on location, poll workers are the face of the election office during voting. Most jurisdictions task election workers with setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also help ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use voting equipment and explaining voting procedures.

Participating organizations will receive toolkits with messaging, social media guidance, and ideas for activities to help raise awareness in their communities. Providing volunteer opportunities has been to improve employee morale and well-being, and even

If your organization is interested in being a supporter of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day please fill out this form and send it to rroberson@eac.gov.

Resources for Election Officials

The EAC has compiled a variety of resources election officials can use as they recruit poll workers and plan for Election Day. If you have materials you would like added to these resources please email

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day | U.S. Election Assistance Commission

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are appreciative to workelections.com for providing a majority of data for this lookup tool. If you are an election official, and the information for your jurisdiction needs to be updated, please email the EAC at helpamericavote@eac.gov While specific duties and compensation vary depending on location, poll workers are the face of the election office during voting.

# data[].attributes.body
You can find these on candidates's websites, or can search for nonpartisan campaigns to get out the vote!

# data[].attributes.headline
How to check if your ballot was rejected — and possibly fix it if it was

# data[].attributes.subject
How to check if your ballot was rejected — and possibly fix it if it was

# data[].attributes.body
Has specific information checking status and curing your rejected vote in AZ, NV, NC, PA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The 2020 presidential election is likely going to come down to a few thousand votes in a handful of states. If you're a voter in one of them, you might be eager to know whether your ballot will be counted in the total that might decide the race.

Right now, most of what's still left to be counted are mailed or absentee ballots. Pennsylvania still has to count hundreds of thousands of mail-in votes because the state could not begin processing mail ballots until Election Day. Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina are still tabulating ballots in close races.

Beyond these swing states pivotal to the Electoral College, there are still millions more absentee ballots to be counted. Those will change the popular vote tally in the coming weeks ( mostly thanks to California) and the margins of victory in some states, but probably won't determine who becomes president.

But every vote should be counted, and as much as it might be nice if Nevada could speed things up, the process takes time, and for good reason. Mail-in ballots take longer to process - envelopes to open, signatures to check - and tabulate. Also, in many states, officials give voters opportunities to correct, or "cure," their ballots, usually for mismatched or missing signatures.

Not all ballots can be cured; ballots that arrive past the deadline, for example, will be rejected. But at least 18 states require election officials to contact voters if there's a problem with their ballot and give them a chance to correct it, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Other states have adopted new procedures to cure ballots starting with this election.

If you've been tracking your ballot ( which you can do in most places, so find your state elections website and check there), and you discover your ballot has been rejected, check your state elections page for options, or, if you can't find the information there, contact your local election officials. ( Look that up here, but remember: To say these people are busy is an understatement, so you may have to wait or try a few times.) Do this as soon as possible, since states typically offer a limited window to correct signatures.

But in those swing states where the margins are tight and getting tighter, every single ballot matters a lot more. It may not be the difference in a race ( hopefully, for everyone's sake, not), but every vote still counts.

With that, here's how to fix your ballot in some of the key remaining states - though we're probably not going to be much help on Pennsylvania.

Arizona
Cure deadline: Tuesday, November 10
In Arizona, voters can check the status of their ballot here. If a voter submits a mail-in ballot and officials determine the signature doesn't match, they are required to make a "reasonable" effort to contact the voter and tell them how that might be corrected.

Obviously, "reasonable" leaves a lot open to interpretation; the Maricopa County Recorder's Office has said voters should put their phone number on their voter registration file for this reason.

If election officials don't have your information, or you were not contacted and you see that your ballot was not accepted for some reason, call your local election office, which you can find here. Arizona gives voters five business days after any federal election to correct their signatures, which means voters have until Tuesday, November 10.

One thing to note: Arizonians can fix mismatched signatures, but if voters forgot to sign their ballots, they no longer have the chance to correct that.

Georgia
Cure deadline: Friday, November 6
In Georgia, voters can cure an absentee ballot if there is a signature missing or if the signature doesn't match the one on file. In those circumstances, the county is required by law to promptly notify the voter in the easiest way possible, which would be by either email or cellphone if it's available, according to the Georgia secretary of state's office.

Voters can also cure provisional ballots - that is, if you had to cast a provisional ballot at your polling place on Election Day because of an ID or registration issue, you must provide valid documentation by that same Friday deadline to have it possibly count.

Georgia voters can track the status of their ballot and see whether it's been received and accepted here. Again, in Georgia, county officials are supposed to notify voters if their ballots are fixable. However, if your ballot has been rejected and you haven't been contacted, or you don't have an updated email or phone number attached to your registration, then follow up with your local election office, which you can look up here.

Nevada
Cure deadline: Thursday, November 12
Nevada voters can track the status of their ballots here. Election officials in Nevada are supposed to notify voters if their ballot has been rejected for a missing or mismatched signature, and voters have until seven days after the election to remedy any issues, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Vox reached out to the Nevada secretary of state, and we'll update if we hear back, but we figure they've got a lot of stuff going on.)

All the same caveats apply, though. Nevada officials are supposed to contact voters, but if you have any concerns, reach out to your local election officials here.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Nevada's secretary of state's office reported approximately 3,400 ballots statewide that still require a signature cure; ballots belonging to registered Democrats, registered Republicans, and other or nonpartisan voters each accounted for about a third of those outstanding ballots. The state has successfully cured more than 4,600 ballots so far.

North Carolina
Cure deadline: Thursday, November 12
North Carolina's procedures were the subject of some litigation, but the latest guidelines were issued October 17. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, if a voter returns a ballot envelope with a problem, including if it isn't signed or is signed in the wrong place, or if it's missing the printed name or address of a witness or assistant (if a voter got help filling out the ballot), the county board is supposed to send that voter a certification to sign and return.

The good news is that North Carolina doesn't do signature verification, so as long as the ballot is signed and appears to be the name of the person voting, then even if it's your terrible credit-card-keypad scrawl, it should count.

County officials are supposed to contact voters within one business day to fix it, but again, caveats apply: Get the status of your absentee ballot here, and if you need to contact your local officials, look them up here. (Vox reached out to the North Carolina State Board of Election, and we'll update if we get any additional guidance.)

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a weird one, as different counties followed different procedures, with some contacting voters to fix their ballots while others did not.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided in October that the state didn't need to require signature matching after Republicans challenged the rule, so the state isn't going to be tossing ballots if signatures don't match - which will likely cut down on the number of possible rejected ballots overall.

The Pennsylvania secretary of state's office said before Election Day, in an email to Vox, that if any voter had their absentee ballot rejected for something like a missing signature or naked ballot (if voters don't use the outer "secrecy" envelope), they should vote by provisional ballot.

Election officials in Pennsylvania are supposed to decide on the validity of provisional ballots within seven days after Election Day; according to the secretary of state's office, that provisional ballot will be counted as long as the voter is eligible. (Vox reached out to Pennsylvania's secretary of state for additional information, and we'll update if we hear back.) And, as a reminder, you can check on your ballot status here and contact your local election office if you have any questions.

Republicans, in a few lawsuits, are trying to challenge these cure procedures in an attempt to disqualify ballots cast by voters who were trying to fix errors. Republican lawyers are basically arguing that these cure processes are invalid because there's nothing in the law that says they're allowed. In one lawsuit, in Montgomery Country, GOP lawyers are alleging that the cured ballots should be disqualified because other counties didn't follow similar procedures, a violation of the equal protection clause. How many ballots this might affect if any of these lawsuits prevail is not really clear, but it's not certain any of these challenges will prevail.
An informed public is critical right now.
This is an unprecedented election. Millions of people are relying on Vox for clear explanations of the state of the vote, whether the election is fair, and what the outcome might mean for the policy decisions that could affect their lives. We are monitoring vote counts around the clock, talking to sources, and channeling the firehose of news into comprehensible information. And that work takes resources. You can help support our explanatory journalism, and keep it free for everyone, by making a financial contribution today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to check if your ballot was rejected - and possibly fix it if it was

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The 2020 presidential election is likely going to come down to a few thousand votes in a handful of states. If you're a voter in one of them, you might be eager to know whether your ballot will be counted in the total that might decide the race.

# data[].attributes.body
Check the status of your mail in ballot here

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you are on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) or made a one-time request for a ballot-by-mail/Early Ballot, you can check the date your ballot was sent to you, the date the ballot was returned and received by the County Recorder, and whether your ballot was accepted and signature verified.

For the most recent ballot-by-mail/Early Ballot status updates, Maricopa and Pima County voters should visit the links below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you are on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) or made a one-time request for a ballot-by-mail/Early Ballot, you can check the date your ballot was sent to you, the date the ballot was returned and received by the County Recorder, and whether your ballot was accepted and signature verified.

# data[].attributes.body
Check the status of your mail in ballot here

# data[].attributes.body
Check the status of your mail in ballot here

# data[].attributes.headline
PA - dependent on county. Check online and contact your district ASAP.

# data[].attributes.subject
PA - dependent on county. Check online and contact your district ASAP.

# data[].attributes.body
Check the status of your mail in ballot here