Are you prepared for Election Day?

With less than two weeks until Election Day, it’s important to remember that every vote counts! The right to vote is one of the most basic rights we have as Americans. In order to participate in our democracy, all voters need to understand the rules in their state, register on time and show up at the correct polling place. Follow these easy steps to make sure your voice is heard in this election:

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th

Wyoming polls are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

• Download our 2012 Voter Empowerment Card (pdf). Keep it as a reference, take it with you to the polls, and share the information with your friends and family.
• Make sure you are registered to vote. If you are not already registered, Wyoming allows qualified voters to register at the polls on Election Day. However, you must bring an acceptable form of ID to the polls for same day registration. (example: passport or Wyoming driver’s license)
• Locate your polling place. Polls are open on Election Day from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
• Consider voting early or absentee. If you plan to vote on Election Day, go early to avoid the rush.
• Contact your Wyoming County Clerk’s office with any further questions.

There is no more important right in our democracy than the right to vote. We encourage all Wyoming voters to exercise their fundamental right to participate in the political process, and vote in the upcoming election.

Indian law expert to speak in Wyoming

The ACLU of Wyoming is pleased to welcome Stephen L. Pevar for 3 public lectures focused on Indian Law. Please join us at the following events:

The Right of Indian Tribes to be Self-Governing | More info
Monday, October 22, 11:00 am – noon
University of Wyoming, College of Law, Room 170
1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, Wyoming

Eight Fascinating Supreme Court Decisions
Affecting Indians and Tribes | More info
Monday, October 22, 5:00 - 6:30 pm AND 7:00 – 8:30 pm *
University of Wyoming, Berry Center Auditorium
1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, Wyoming

*The same presentation will be give at 5:00 & 7:00 to avoid conflicting with the final presidential debate.

The Rights of Indians and Tribes
*Approved for CLE by the Wyoming State Bar* | More info
Tuesday, October 23, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Shoshone Rose Casino, 5690 US Highway 287
Lander, Wyoming

Mr. Pevar is a Senior Staff Counsel of the ACLU. He taught Federal Indian Law at the University of Denver School of Law from 1983-1999. He has litigated numerous Indian rights cases and has lectured extensively on the subject. Learn about Mr. Pevar’s most recent book, The Rights of Indians and Tribes, 4th Edition, published by Oxford University Press.

These events are free and open to the public. No RSVP needed. For more information, please email acluwy@aclu.org or call 307-637-4565.

We hope to see you there!

Kids These Days!

Growing up in 21st Century America is not as easy as it seems. Getting an education isn’t just about books and grades. Students are also learning the rights and responsibilities of being members of society. And while students may not have the same constitutional rights as adults in public, they do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate!

Advances in technology have impacted young people’s lives in ways we could’ve never imagined – from smart phones and social media to strange big brother-style surveillance. For liberty to be preserved, it must be nurtured in the hearts and minds of young people. But in order for students to be effective civil liberties advocates, they need to know their rights. Sometimes these rights can be unclear, which is why the ACLU of Wyoming published Know Your Rights: A Guide for Public School Students in Wyoming, a manual aimed at answering some of the most important questions public school students have about our freedoms.

It’s unfortunate that constitutional violations are far too common in public schools across the country. Teachers and administrators have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students that is conducive to learning. But they also have a responsibility to respect every student's individual rights. These two missions are not incompatible. Students have rights too!

Students need to know their rights to protect themselves against abuses by police, school officials, and other adults. Know Your Rights: A Guide for Public School Students in Wyoming covers traditional civil liberties issues such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from unreasonable searches. The guide also tackles current issues affecting public school students like social networking. The manual addresses particularly the rights of different categories of students, including students with disabilities, homeless students, immigrant students, lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) students, and pregnant and parenting teens.

This manual discusses when students’ rights can be exercised, when school officials can limit them, and offers practical tips for students. Although written primarily for students, this publication will be useful to educators, school counselors, administrators, parents and guardians, and journalists alike. It devotes a section to discipline, and outlines tips on how parents and students can be their own effective advocates.

The future of liberty relies on young people to carry the torch of civil rights. We designed this handbook as a guide to the many important rights students enjoy. In doing so, we hope to prepare the next generation of guardians of liberty.