ELECTION DAY

NOVEMBER 04,2008 - This is a memorable day for all American citizen. I hope that after this day whoever win can change the economy as what they promise. I remember the experience of election day in the Philippines it's quite horrible. Long days of waiting for ballot counting. Horrible stories during the election. Many complaints in voting, finding their name etc.etc. AND HERE I FOUND SOME TIPS HOW TO AVOID ELECTION DAY DISASTER. You'd think voting would be pretty easy. You're registered. So show up and vote, right? Not exactly. There are a lot of little hurdles that could get in your way come Tuesday, so we've asked the Election Assistance Commission and the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition for tips on how to make your voting experience as smooth and easy as possible. BEFORE YOU VOTE... 1. Check your registration In most states*, if you aren't already registered, you can't vote. Even if you are registered, sometimes you may not be on the voter rolls because of a typographical error. Double check to make sure they have your name. If they don't, you may have to jump through some ID hurdles when you get to the polling place. The National Association of Secretaries of State website can direct you to the right place to check. *If you live in one of the following states, you're in luck because the EAC says you have same-day registration: Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire and Wyoming. ID requirements vary by state, so check with your secretary of state to find out what you need to bring to register on-site. 2. Double check your polling place. Know when it's open. Even if you've been voting in the same school gymnasium for 10 years, double check the location of your polling place. You don't want to show up at the wrong one, wait in line for an hour, then get told you have to go somewhere else. Both Election Protection and the National Association of Secretaries of State have websites that can help you find your polling place. 3. Plan plenty of time to wait Try to head to your polling place at an off-peak hour if you can (mid-morning, early afternoon) and plan to be there for an hour or two. There has already been record turnout in early voting. No one has any reason to suspect Election Day is going to be slow, so you're probably going to be there for a while. WHEN YOU GO TO VOTE 1. Bring your government-issued ID Every state law is different and IT MAY HAVE CHANGED since you last voted. Just because all you needed was a signature last time, that doesn't mean you don't need your driver's license this year. 2. Beware of what you wear - Dress comfy! If you're standing in line for a bit, you'll want comfy shoes and a coat if it's cold. - Keep the campaign paraphernalia in the car.There are electioneering laws in some states that prevent you from entering a polling place if you are wearing campaign gear. We know you are excited about your candidate, but as Rosemary Rodriguez from the EAC said, "a polling place should be neutral and free of influence." In other words, don't campaign where people are trying to cast their votes. In some states, there are electioneering laws that restrict anyone from getting within 150 feet of a polling location with campaign gear on. So it's best to leave the buttons, signs and t-shirts in the car or at home. Or if you forgot and wore your t-shirt anyway, cover it up with a jacket or turn it inside out. You don't want sartorial choices stopping you from exercising your right to vote. 3. Beware of dirty tricks If you see a sign that says, "Only one party votes on Tuesday, the other votes on Wednesday," ignore it. It's wrong. Everyone votes on Tuesday, November 4th (unless you voted early). If it's raining and someone tells you the vote is postponed until clear weather, ignore them. Everyone votes on Tuesday. You get the idea. 4. If something goes wrong, know your rights. Ask for help.- If your name is not listed, request a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot allows you to vote and have your registration verified after you cast your ballot. How this process works varies by state and will probably require some follow-up by you. Poll workers are required by law to offer you a provisional ballot, so make sure you get it. 5. If the polling worker couldn't help you? Both the EAC and Election Protection will have Election Day hot lines with people waiting to help you at the other end of the phone. Election Protection: 1-866-OUR-VOTE or Election Assistance Commission: (866) 747-1471 or visit the website: http://www.eac.gov/ SO GUYS.. GO OUT AND VOTE AND GOD BLESS AMERICA..