Voting FAQ

What do I need to know at the polling place?

1. Your ballot, your vote.  Don’t panic if you registered to vote but your name is not on the list.  Get help from a poll worker to make sure your vote is counted. You may be directed to another polling place or given a provisional ballot.

2. I.D. – don’t go without it.  You may need to show I.D. To be safe, bring your driver’s license, or a paycheck, utility bill, or government document that includes your name and address.

3. Writing on the wall.  Look at the signs at the polling place fore directions on how to use the voting machines, a list of your voting rights, and instructions for filing a complaint if your rights have been violated.

4. When in doubt, ask.  Poll workers are there to help you.  They’ll show you how to work the machines and give you a provisional ballot if you need one. If you’re at the wrong polling place, they should tell you how to get to the right one.

5. In and out.  You probably won’t have to wait too long.  But even if the line is  long, don’t leave without voting. Your vote counts!

How do I use the voting machine?

1.   Pull large handle (usually bright red) to the right to close curtains. Do not move the handle again until you have finished voting. You have three minutes. If you need help, call for assistance.  Do not open the curtains.

1.      Pull down the lever above or beside the name of each candidate for whom you wish to vote. You may select candidates from any line or column in which their names appear. You do not have to vote for all candidates in the same party.

2.      There is a place to “write in” high on the machine faces, but once you open the write-in slot, you cannot change your mind and vote for a candidate listed on the ballot for that position. There should be a pencil in the booth.

3.      Pull down levers marked “yes” or “no” to vote on ballot proposals.  Look for these are at the top of the machine.

4.      When your decisions are final, LEAVE THE LEVERS DOWN with the X’s showing.

5.      Pull large handle back to starting position. This records your vote, snaps the levers back to their original positions automatically and opens the curtains.

Your vote is secret