![Laura Kane and Keith Heyward, assistant city registrars, run voter readiness workshops that help residents of assisted living facilities stay current and avoid pitfalls that might prevent them from being able to participate in elections. [John-Henry Doucette/The Independent News]](https://i0.wp.com/princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/elect-1.jpg?ssl=1)
COURTHOUSE – Election officials serving the city are visiting a number of assisted living facilities to help local voters.
The voter readiness effort, which has already helped hundreds of people this year, deals with absentee voting, registration and ensuring voters have photo identification, a requirement to vote under state law.
The effort is led by Keith Heyward and Laura Kane, assitant registrars for the city.
“The goal is to make things easier,” Heyward said during a recent interview at the municipal center.
He works primarily with online registration, photo identification and recruiting election officials. Kane works with absentee voting and voter registration, among other duties.
“This year, we’ve helped close to 200 people,” she said.
“Of course, next year it will be more popular because it’s a presidential election,” Heyward said.
The officials started the program to help voters living in facilities who may face a number of challenges. They may have moved, meaning a new precinct. They may no loger drive and have identification that is out of date. Some may struggle with forms.
With these visits, potential issues are addressed on the spot and voters are assisted to ensure they can participate in the process.
For more information about the program or general information, reach the registrar’s office at (757) 385-8683.