Computer Outage at DMVs Presented Obstacles for Some Voters
A statewide DMV computer outage Thursday morning prohibited some residents from updating their driver’s licenses just days ahead of Monday’s voter registration deadline. Voting rights advocates reported the outage yesterday, and said some have since been able to obtain state-issued voter ID’s at county boards of registrar. But it’s unclear how many were affected.
The computer outage lasted 42 minutes, according to an Alabama Department of Public Safety spokeswoman, and was due to internet connectivity issues. In that time, at least a handful of residents wishing to update their driver’s licenses were unable to do so.
Jenny Carroll, who teaches law at the University of Alabama and heads a committee examining statewide voter access, heard from some of the people who visited the DMV office on Arkadelphia Road. But she says there could have been more people who encountered hurdles.
“It is hard to calculate how many people who are out there who just walked out of that DMV office and said ‘Forget it, well I guess I’m just not going to register.’”
Most of the people who had trouble at the DMV Thursday were able to go to their county board of registrars later and obtain a state-issued ID card, Carroll said.
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill told WBHM he was made aware of the outage yesterday, but said based on the information he’d received, there was no issue. Merrill said the state law enforcement agency is responsible for the computers used for driver’s licenses and voter ID’s—not his office. The state’s voter ID law requires voters to present a specific type of photo ID at the polls –including driver’s licenses – in order to cast a ballot.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
On tap for the holidays: A blend of multicultural drink traditions and fond memories
For this year's All Things Considered holiday cocktail interview, we visited Providencia in Washington, D.C., a bar that brings its owners' personal stories to life.
College students get emotional about climate change. Some are finding help in class
A recent survey finds that more than half of young people aged 16-25 are highly worried about climate change. Some universities are now trying to help them navigate those emotions in class.
Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident
Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea by apparent "friendly fire", the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels.
Party City files for bankruptcy and plans to shutter nationwide
Party City was once unmatched in its vast selection of affordable celebration goods. But over the years, competition stacked up at Walmart, Target, Spirit Halloween, and especially Amazon.
