last minute voter info

I was talking to my girlfriend earlier tonight about some of the things we'll be faced with voting on tomorrow.. Both of us had a few questions that came up and it was shell-shocking to me how much anxiety actually hit regarding questions that have popped up at the last minute, and how the focus on the presidential race has most certainly detracted from the attention of the many things people will be faced with voting on Today. Many people, myself included are feeling slightly overwhelmed with these last minute decisions. What if we're still undecided on a certain local measure or state assembly member, or any item on the ballot? Is it best to try to make up our minds tonight skip an item on the ballot??

First of all, and above all, try to do as much non-partisan research as you can. Grab the voter guide (and ALL additional mailings) that were mailed to you as a registered voter. Get them NOW and bring them with you to read over again while you wait to vote tomorrow. It will address ALL of the items that you will be faced with voting on so there shouldn't be any surprises. Fill out the sample ballot and bring it with you. Make it known to a poll worker when you sign in that you've brought your sample ballot as a guide, but keep it concealed until you get into the poll as that is the regulation in place for most every state. I've used the voter guide along with smartvoter.org and a bunch of additional online resources to make my choices.

Regarding skipping ballot items.. This is a question you should ask at least one poll worker about if you are not sure. That's why they're there. (My father is actually a Republican working the polls in Illinois and they couldn't have found a more honest man for the job) going back to my point.. this is tricky. Logic would suggest that if you aren't sure about an item on the ballot, your vote may be more destructive than anything so it'd be best to skip the item.. however if you are voting on an electronic voting device, your entire ballot could likely be tossed if you skip items as there is no way to differentiate between machine error and an intentionally skipped item. so... if you're feeling you might be skipping an item or two on the ballot, ask a poll worker about it. If you can, make your choices before you have your ballot.

If you don't know where to vote or aren't sure what kind of ID to bring, go to http://www.canivote.org/

If it's 8pm and you're still in line. YOU STILL GET TO VOTE, but nobody will be able to join the line after the cut-off time. (double check for your states closing time)

If you witness ANYTHING resembling voter fraud or vote suppression, report it immediately, on the spot from your cell phone. This toll free number is different from state to state. I highly encourage every voter to find out this number, and store it in your cell phone before voting. just google "(your state) voter fraud hotline". In california it's 1-800-345-VOTE and I'm pretty sure they could direct you to your state's hotline if you have anything to report.

Additionally, some of the early voting that was allowed in much of the country has caused a bit of confusion... Many voting polls have posted their voting hours as mon (or tues) through Friday... PLEASE REALIZE that's last week... TODAY - Tuesday, the 4th of November is your LAST DAY to vote.

It's going to be quite a day. Time to get some rest before getting up in four hours. :)