10/29/2004
Call Ahead. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote or where your polling place is located, call your local county, city or state elections office today to check. You can also go to www.NFIB.com/politics to learn where to cast your vote.
|
Provisional Ballot: A voter whose name does not appear on the precinct roster may cast a provisional ballot. If, however, the voter is later determined to be ineligible (e.g. the voter is not currently registered to vote in that county), then the ballot is not counted. Once a provisional ballot is cast, the voter will be notified (most likely by mail) if their ballot had been counted. |
Get Your Ballot: If you know you are registered to vote, but your name is not on the precinct roster, don’t panic. Poll workers will either direct you to another polling place or explain how you can use a provisional ballot.
Bring Identification: In some states you may be required to bring a form of photo identification with you to vote. If you registered to vote by mail, the first time you vote you will need to show ID, regardless of the state you’re registered in. A good rule of thumb is: if you have a photo ID, bring it with you. If you do not have a photo ID, bring a current utility bill, paycheck or government document that shows who you are and your street address.
Read the Directions: Locate the signs or pamphlets that describes your voting rights and illustrate how to operate the voting machine. Become familiar with them before you approach the area where the balloting takes place.
The (866) MYVOTE1 voter alert line will provide voters nationwide with a toll-free number that will connect them to an election official in their local precinct if they have a problem at their polling place. The voter alert line will also track the geographic location of all calls in order to detect emerging trouble patterns nationwide.
Have a Question? Ask! If you still have questions or do not feel totally comfortable with the voting procedures, be sure to ask for help. Poll workers are there to assist you and can answer any remaining questions that you might have.
Be Patient: Depending on the hour that you arrive at your polling place, you may encounter lines. Turnout has been high during early voting across the country. The best time to vote is usually right before and after the noon lunch hour. If there are lines, don’t leave without voting! The lines move quickly and you will leave knowing that your voice has been heard.
Have a Complaint? If you believe that your voting rights have been infringed upon, speak up to tell a poll worker about your concerns. You also can call (866) MYVOTE1 to receive assistance and report your complaint.
