Top Five Tips on Voting

As part of its ongoing 'Get Out The Vote' campaign, Divided We Fail has tips for would-be voters to ensure that when they get to the polls their vote is counted.

1. Know where your polls are and when they close.

Most polls close between 6pm and 9pm. In some states, such as Maine, you only need to be in line at the time the polls close in order to vote – others may not be as lenient. Also, make sure you are voting at the correct voting place – your vote may not count if you go to the wrong location.

2. Make sure you're registered.

In some states you can register at the polls on Election Day (Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Wyoming. North Dakota does not have voter registration). Keep in mind, though, that registering on Election Day may cause delays and longer wait times; best to register early if you have time. Most states will allow you to do this by visiting your local election board.

3. Leave the Obama or McCain sweatshirt at home.

It's not a good idea to wear political clothes, buttons, stickers, etc to the polls. Many states restrict how close you can get to the actual polling station with politically motivated speech, so while you can check with your particular state as to what's allowed, best to leave the McCain or Obama sweatshirt at home.

4. Bring photo identification.

AARP advises everyone to bring information identifying them by name and address and, if possible, with a photo. At the very least bring a utility bill for your current home address, and, if possible, a driver's license or work ID. Again – check your state rules, some locations require a voter registration card.

It is critical to note that photo ID is not required except in Georgia, Indiana and Florida. The reason to bring photo ID is to protect against some glitch in the voting rolls, or some quirk in local procedures, or, at worst, being discriminated against unfairly by an election official who questions your right to vote. Better to have an easy way out rather than risk having to spend time proving one's identity. First time registrants who didn't show ID when they registered are required to show ID in most states.

If your right to vote is questioned, ask if it is possible to sign an affidavit or other form or take another step permitting you to cast a ballot. You can also request a provisional ballot, but that shouldn't be your first request. Many states won't count the provisional ballot unless the election is close and there can be other problems with provisional ballots, too.

5. Vote.

The fact is in 2004 the election was settled by a matter of less than 120,000 votes in Ohio; in 2000 it came down to 537 votes in Florida. This doesn't even count state wide races, such as for Governor of Washington in 2004 which was decided by 129 votes. The reality is that in 2004, more than 14 million people who were registered to vote did not. When elections come down to thousands, hundreds and sometimes dozens of votes, showing up is everything. Election Day is November 4th. Vote.

Additional Resources

The following are great resources voters can use for more information as well what to do in the event your right to vote is questioned.

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE - Trained volunteers for the nation's largest non-partisan voter protection effort are available to answer your questions online or via phone (1-866-687-8683) and help make sure your vote counts.
• Google's 2008 US Voter Info. Enter your street address and find your polling location via Google Maps.
• CanIvote.org, from the The National Association of Secretaries of State.
• electionline.org, from Pew Center on the States.
• VOTE411.org, from the League of Women Voters.
• Brennan Center for Justice.