I generally charge for advice, but I'm going to make an exception in this case. Below the fold are some tips for voting on November 4th from a guy who has worked at a polling site for many elections. If you care to partake, follow me...
First, a bit of information. I live in Southern California. My polling site is adjacent to Cal State Northridge, a major college in the San Fernado Valley. I have worked in this site for the last 5 elections, and I recently completed poll worker training provided by the County of Los Angeles. Some of this advice may not be applicable in your state, but most of it will. If in doubt, check with your county election officials.
- If you can, vote early. My absentee ballot was mailed last week. If you are leary about sending your ballot through the mail, you can drop it AT ANY POLLING LOCATION.
- If you have been sent an absentee ballot, but decide you want to vote on election day, BRING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT WITH YOU. You will be asked to surrender it. You will then be allowed to cast your ballot. If you do not bring your absentee ballot, you will have to vote by provisional ballot.
- If you do vote by absentee ballot, do not attempt to vote in person. This is voter fraud (I know this should go without saying), and it is very easy to check.
- In California, first time voters (those who registered since the last general election, and who have not voted in either the February or June primary) will be required to show government issued ID or some other form of ID to confirm you live where you are registered. If you have a drivers license, bring it. Student ID issued by the college is also acceptable.
- No electioneering within 100 feet of the polling place (varies from state to state). This includes wearing any kind of clothing, buttons, hats, ect. for either candidate. You will be asked to cover or change such clothing. My advice, leave the Obama Tee shirt at home. You can wear it as you watch the election returns that night.
- Be patient. We expect a shitload of voters to show up, and we expect long lines. We are going to do our best to move you through as quickly as possible, but please be patient. Remember the pollworkers are all volunteers, and want you to vote as quickly and accurately as possiblle. Handicapped and elderly voters may be expedited, please understand that is for their safety and health.
- Be courteous. Everyone has the right to vote, even the poor misguided souls who are going to vote for McCain. If you engage in conversation while waiting, "How about them Lakers" is a good way to start.
- If there is a glitch with your registration, don't panic, and don't get pissed off. If your name does not appear on the regular register, make sure the poll worker checks the supplementatl register. Pronounce your name clearly, and spell it if necessary. If you are not on the register, you will still be able to vote provisionally.
- If you do have to vote provisionally, cooperate with the clerk (thats my job usually). He or she will ask you to fill out sojme information. It is essential that you fill it all out correctly and completely. Make it a point to check with county voting officials after the election to make sure the problem is resolved.
- Take your time. Once you are in the polling booth, take your time to mark your ballot properly. In California, you are entitled to up to three ballots if you make an error. But it takes more time to vote twice than it does to vote once accurately.
- In Los Angeles County, we use an inkadot ballot. You use an inked stylus to mark a card. Make sure you know how to place the card in the ballot holder, and how to use the stylus. There is a clerk assigned to help and demonstrate. Do not be embarassed to ask for help or practice.
- If you have a question or a problem while in the polling booth, do not hesitate to ask a clerk or inspector for assistance. We would much rather you got it right the first time.
- In Los Angeles County, you will put you ballot into yellow slot to check your ballot. This machine IS NOT TABULATING YOUR VOTE. It is merely dectecting overvotes, or a blank ballot. If you have an overvote for any office, that vote (for that office only) will not be counted. The good news is that you can request another ballot, and correct the overvote.
- I cannot emphasize this enough. Do not be discouraged by a long line. You will be surprised how quickly it moves. If you want to avoid lines, show up mid-morning or early afternoon, as these are usually the slowest times.
- In California, the polls close at 8:00 p.m. We announce it. If you are in line when the polls close, you are still entitiled to vote. Do not leave, stay in line and cast your ballot.
I hope these tips have been helpful. I am excited about this election, but disappointed that I will not be home to watch the returns as they come in. Be nice to your poll workers, and be sure to thank them for their service.