What to Do on Election Day - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Cynthetiq · 11-01-2004, 07:58 AM

It seems pretty easy to go to your polling place to vote. Usually you'll go in and out easily, but sometimes its confusing or there's something that causes a change. One year my voting place changed even though I didn't change it, but the NJ voters group had decided that my precinct was wrong based on my tax return addresses. I did not get to vote that year by the time I drove to the new precinct polls would have closed. I was not aware of being able to vote via provisional ballot.

One time in Greenwich Village, my precinct had 3 other precincts and it was very confusing and the lines were really really long, about 2 hours long.

Here's a reminder from NYTimes.com

Quote:

What to Do on Election Day

Civics books make voting look like a breeze, but it can be hard work. Voter rolls are inaccurate, ID requirements vary and are erratically enforced, partisans try to disqualify likely supporters of their opponents, and lines at the polls can be excruciatingly long. In 2000, as many as six million presidential votes were lost for technical reasons, and this year the number could be even larger. Voters, particularly in battleground states, should head to the voting booth prepared to fight for their vote to be counted:

1. Know where to go. In many states, you will not be allowed to vote if you show up at the wrong polling place. Worse still, you may be given a provisional ballot to vote on that will later be thrown out. Your board of elections can tell you where to vote. If you can't reach the board, a nonpartisan hotline, 1-866-OURVOTE, has a polling place locator. So does the Web site www.mypollingplace.com.

2. Bring proper ID. The rules vary by state. If you have a photo ID, it's wise to bring it, just in case. Too often, poll workers demand ID when it is not required, or demand the wrong ID. If you do not know the law in your jurisdiction, you should check your local board of elections Web site.

3. Review the sample ballot before voting. Ballots are often confusing, and their designs can change considerably from election to election. And as the infamous "butterfly ballot" showed in 2000, a poorly designed ballot can trick voters into choosing a candidate they did not intend. If you have questions about how to vote on your ballot, ask a poll worker or poll monitor for help.

4. Check your ballot before finalizing your vote. As we saw in 2000, if punch card chads are not punched out precisely, votes may not be counted. On electronic machines, a brush of the hand can erase or change a vote. On paper ballots, stray or incomplete marks can disqualify a vote.

5. Know your rights concerning provisional ballots. No voter can be turned away in any state this year without being allowed to vote. If there is a question about your eligibility, you must be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot, the validity of which will be determined later. But if you are entitled to vote on a regular ballot, you should insist on doing so, since a provisional ballot may be disqualified later on a technicality.

6. Know where to turn for help. If you experience problems voting, or if you see anything improper at the polls, you may want to get help. There will be nonpartisan poll monitors at many polling places. (There may also be partisan poll watchers, and it's possible one of them may be the person objecting to your voting.) It is a good idea to bring a cellphone, and phone numbers of nonpartisan hotlines like the Election Protection program's 1-866-OURVOTE and Common Cause's 1-866-MYVOTE1.

7. Be prepared for long lines. In some precincts, the wait may stretch into hours. Try to get to your polling place very early in the morning, or between the before-work and after-work rushes. As long as you are in line before the polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Do not let poll workers close the polls until you have voted.

denim · 11-01-2004, 08:24 AM

I just tried that link, and called my local town clerk too. Note that they didn't match! People, be sure you know where to vote, as even if you haven't moved like I have, these things change sometimes.

Averett · 11-01-2004, 08:31 AM

I just tried the link too, and I know it's wrong. It's sending me to a middle school that's about a 20 minute drive from my folks house.

Thats what they get for technically living in the city of Schenectady but in the town of Colonie which is in the county of Albany. With a zip code for Niskayuna which is in the county of Schenectady.

It's a weird little area my house is in.

But at least I'm smrt and know that I vote at my old middle school.

Cynthetiq · 11-01-2004, 08:45 AM

Good looking out you two... I didn't click the link as my precinct is right in the lobby of my building. I have to walk past the voting machine in order to get to the bus stop.

I double checked just in case and mine lined up.

Averett · 11-01-2004, 08:48 AM

I'm going to call up to be sure, but I doubt the polling place has changed. I can remember in middle school seeing the booths right in our lobby.

denim · 11-01-2004, 08:55 AM

In my previous location, I had a change in polling place from the high school to a local elementary school. I have no idea why.

Bill O'Rights · 11-01-2004, 09:10 AM

I just checked the link...and it is correct in my case. On the other hand...I called up the election commision last week and found that our polling place had changed. This site agrees with what I was told last week.

tropple · 11-01-2004, 09:16 AM

Some places in NJ are considering closing their schools tomorrow. I know that the leave it to beaver town never really existed, even when I was little. I'd sure appreciate a return to saner times.

ratbastid · 11-01-2004, 09:29 AM

If you voted early, you can just hang out and play on Election Day. lurkette and I are going on a trip to New Orleans on Tuesday. I'll be drinking a hurricane and eating crawdads on Election Day!

Cynthetiq · 11-01-2004, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratbastid

If you voted early, you can just hang out and play on Election Day. lurkette and I are going on a trip to New Orleans on Tuesday. I'll be drinking a hurricane and eating crawdads on Election Day!

I would have loved that option, but at the same time I don't have to travel all that far...

truly the most important thing to do is....

(I had to get my MINI obsession involved

)

rfra3645 · 11-01-2004, 04:31 PM

i voted early also...

not 100% i was gonna be gone but i figured just in case what the hell...

and it turns out i was supposed to leave this morning untill i was on the road i gota call and turned around..

ill just be listening to fox all day just hanging out listeng to the maddness....

and i garuntee there will be plenty of that..

unfortunatly...

Carno · 11-01-2004, 06:13 PM

Voting is for people who support hypocrites and slimeballs.

Fire · 11-01-2004, 09:29 PM

aah, but at least you have a say in which slimeball or hypocrit- and as a friend of mine says, if you do not vote, you forfiet all bitching rights

Hash_Browns · 11-01-2004, 11:05 PM

This will be my first time voting, so I wanted to say thanks Cyn.

I did happen to find this link the other day, but I wanted to know what times they would be open until...now I know. Guess I should be off to bed so I can get up tomorrow...

Oh, my daughter's loving that she doesn't have to go to school tomorrow (no am classes) but I still have to!! Smartie pants kindergardener

MrFlux · 11-02-2004, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire

aah, but at least you have a say in which slimeball or hypocrit- and as a friend of mine says, if you do not vote, you forfiet all bitching rights

What a load of crap. I have nothing to do with this election, what with living in another country, but this applies to every country where you can vote.

OF COURSE you get to bitch. No matter who wins, it's the guy you didn't vote for. Just because there is noone worth voting for does not mean you don't get to bitch about the person who wins!

Democracy (I'm aware the USA is a Republic) should mean everyone's voice is heard, including that of the people who decided there wasn't anyone worth voting for.

Of course, not voting because you're too lazy is another thing altogether.

Drider_it · 11-02-2004, 01:07 AM

i voted absent T hehe .. now i can sit back pop the popcorn and hope for a media fasico like 4 years ago

Cynthetiq · 11-02-2004, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrFlux

What a load of crap. I have nothing to do with this election, what with living in another country, but this applies to every country where you can vote.

OF COURSE you get to bitch. No matter who wins, it's the guy you didn't vote for. Just because there is noone worth voting for does not mean you don't get to bitch about the person who wins!

Democracy (I'm aware the USA is a Republic) should mean everyone's voice is heard, including that of the people who decided there wasn't anyone worth voting for.

Of course, not voting because you're too lazy is another thing altogether.

I agree, but at the same time you need to vote a write in to show your displeasure at the available candidates.

I've voted write in for every presidential election I have voted in. I don't support slimeballs and hypocrites at that level... just on the city and state level and even then I may write in someone, like for the senate while Mr. Schumer has not done any egregious errors, he's a professional politician and I don't support that.

JumpinJesus · 11-02-2004, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

...my precinct is right in the lobby of my building. I have to walk past the voting machine in order to get to the bus stop.

And I thought I was lucky when I found out mine was only a block away.

I turned on the news this morning to find out that people are overwhelmed at the turnout. Someone has already called the candidates slimeballs and hypocrites, but at least they are getting people out to vote. That may be the one positive thing coming out of this campaign.

I'm curious to see the stats on the turnout for this election.

Drider_it · 11-02-2004, 11:09 AM

lol yeah i called it.. i did.. little old laides out there screaming a vote for kerry is a vote fo r the devil heh.. man i love this time of year.. better than the super bowl.. well not really .. well not even close.. crap but its still fun

Averett · 11-02-2004, 06:33 PM

Turns out my district changed. Had to go from my old middle school to my old elementary school. No biggie

11-01-2004, 08:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	I just tried the link too, and I know it's wrong. It's sending me to a middle school that's about a 20 minute drive from my folks house. Thats what they get for technically living in the city of Schenectady but in the town of Colonie which is in the county of Albany. With a zip code for Niskayuna which is in the county of Schenectady. It's a weird little area my house is in. But at least I'm smrt and know that I vote at my old middle school. __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

11-01-2004, 08:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Good looking out you two... I didn't click the link as my precinct is right in the lobby of my building. I have to walk past the voting machine in order to get to the bus stop. I double checked just in case and mine lined up. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

11-01-2004, 08:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	I'm going to call up to be sure, but I doubt the polling place has changed. I can remember in middle school seeing the booths right in our lobby. __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

11-01-2004, 09:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	I just checked the link...and it is correct in my case. On the other hand...I called up the election commision last week and found that our polling place had changed. This site agrees with what I was told last week. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

11-01-2004, 09:16 AM	#8 (permalink)
tropple Junkie	Some places in NJ are considering closing their schools tomorrow. I know that the leave it to beaver town never really existed, even when I was little. I'd sure appreciate a return to saner times. __________________ +++++++++++Boom!

11-01-2004, 08:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
denim Banned Location: Massachusetts, USA	I just tried that link, and called my local town clerk too. Note that they didn't match! People, be sure you know where to vote, as even if you haven't moved like I have, these things change sometimes.

11-01-2004, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
denim Banned Location: Massachusetts, USA	In my previous location, I had a change in polling place from the high school to a local elementary school. I have no idea why.

11-01-2004, 09:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	If you voted early, you can just hang out and play on Election Day. lurkette and I are going on a trip to New Orleans on Tuesday. I'll be drinking a hurricane and eating crawdads on Election Day!

11-01-2004, 04:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
rfra3645 Crazy Location: geff il	i voted early also... not 100% i was gonna be gone but i figured just in case what the hell... and it turns out i was supposed to leave this morning untill i was on the road i gota call and turned around.. ill just be listening to fox all day just hanging out listeng to the maddness.... and i garuntee there will be plenty of that.. unfortunatly... __________________ this post is a natural product made from recycled electrons. the slight variations in spelling, grammar and punctuation enhance its individual character and individuality and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects. if you cant read my post i dont want to hear about it move on. thanks

11-01-2004, 06:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
Carno Junkie	Voting is for people who support hypocrites and slimeballs.

11-01-2004, 09:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
Fire Warrior Smith Location: missouri	aah, but at least you have a say in which slimeball or hypocrit- and as a friend of mine says, if you do not vote, you forfiet all bitching rights __________________ Thought the harder, Heart the bolder, Mood the more as our might lessens

11-01-2004, 11:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
Hash_Browns Psycho Location: Right behind you...BOO!	This will be my first time voting, so I wanted to say thanks Cyn. I did happen to find this link the other day, but I wanted to know what times they would be open until...now I know. Guess I should be off to bed so I can get up tomorrow... Oh, my daughter's loving that she doesn't have to go to school tomorrow (no am classes) but I still have to!! Smartie pants kindergardener __________________ Smile It makes people wonder what you're up too!

11-02-2004, 01:07 AM	#16 (permalink)
Drider_it Junkie Location: Louisiana	i voted absent T hehe .. now i can sit back pop the popcorn and hope for a media fasico like 4 years ago __________________ It means only one thing, and everything: Cut. Once committed to fight, Cut. Everything else is secondary. Cut. That is your duty, your purpose, your hunger. There is no rule more important, no commitment that overrides that one. Cut. The lines are a portrayal of the dance. Cut from the void, not from bewilderment. Cut the enemy as quickly and directly as possible. Cut with certainty. Cut decisively, resoultely. Cut into his strength. Flow through the gaps in his guard. Cut him. Cut him down utterly. Don't allow him a breath. Crush him. Cut him without mercy to the depth of his spirit. It is the balance to life: death. It is the dance with death. It is the law a war wizard lives by, or he dies.

11-02-2004, 11:09 AM	#19 (permalink)
Drider_it Junkie Location: Louisiana	lol yeah i called it.. i did.. little old laides out there screaming a vote for kerry is a vote fo r the devil heh.. man i love this time of year.. better than the super bowl.. well not really .. well not even close.. crap but its still fun __________________ It means only one thing, and everything: Cut. Once committed to fight, Cut. Everything else is secondary. Cut. That is your duty, your purpose, your hunger. There is no rule more important, no commitment that overrides that one. Cut. The lines are a portrayal of the dance. Cut from the void, not from bewilderment. Cut the enemy as quickly and directly as possible. Cut with certainty. Cut decisively, resoultely. Cut into his strength. Flow through the gaps in his guard. Cut him. Cut him down utterly. Don't allow him a breath. Crush him. Cut him without mercy to the depth of his spirit. It is the balance to life: death. It is the dance with death. It is the law a war wizard lives by, or he dies.

11-02-2004, 06:33 PM	#20 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	Turns out my district changed. Had to go from my old middle school to my old elementary school. No biggie __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.