If you know you're a registered voter, imagine getting a letter in the mail saying you're not registered and can't vote, because you're not a U.S. Citizen. One woman dealt with that very experience in Winchester.
"Panic! I want to have my right to vote. A lot of people bled and died for our right to do this, and I want to make sure I follow through with it," shared Karen Borders.
She talked about how she felt after reading a letter that came in the mail telling her she couldn't vote because she wasn't a U.S. Citizen.
This was a problem for her, because she was registered to vote and she is a U.S. Citizen.
She continued and said, "It indicated that I had not checked that I'm a U.S. Citizen, and I had 14 days to rectify the situation."
Joyce Braithwaite, the Winchester Voting Registrar, explained "At any rate, it creates a lot of time by tying the girls up on the telephone trying to answer these questions."
Braithwaite helps people like Borders sort out any confusion.
The registrar continued, "Make certain that you answer all the questions."
Fortunately for Borders, after a visit to the registrar's office, she said, "I was reassured that I'd be able to vote in this upcoming election."
This year, a number of new voters are registering in Winchester. The people working here want new voters to make sure you're reading the fine print and checking the right boxes so mix ups can be avoided and you can make your voice heard.
Borders concluded, "The way you can raise your voice and let your voice be heard is to get out and vote."
That's something she plans on doing for sure this November. Virginia residents have until October 15 to register.
Once you've registered to vote, you'll need some form of ID on election day.
Forms of ID include a Virgina Voter Registration Card, which many are getting in the mail. A valid Virginia's Driver's License or current utility bill will also work as identification.
Voters without ID will have to vote a provisional ballot and will have until noon on the Friday after the election to send a copy of their ID to their local election board.
© Copyright 2013 TV3 Winchester / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.