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Q&A For Election Day

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI

cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: October 19, 2008

Election Day on Nov. 4 is less than three weeks away, and early voting to avoid long lines begins here Monday.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from voters, and the answers:

What if I get to the polls and my name isn't on the voter roll?

If you're at the right polling place, you can vote by provisional ballot. You must go to your local elections supervisor office by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 to prove your identity or reconcile any other issue that knocked you off the voter rolls. If you can resolve the problem, your vote will count.

What if I'm still in line to vote at 7 p.m. on Election Day?

Everyone who is in line to vote at 7 p.m. gets to cast a ballot. At that time, a poll worker will stand at the end of the line and declare the polls are closed. The poll worker will remain at the end of the line until everyone ahead of him or her has gotten to vote, ensuring that no one can get in line later than 7 p.m. and cast a ballot.

How do I find my precinct and polling place?

This is important, as provisional ballots cast at the wrong precinct will not count. Your voter information card shows your designated polling place, which is based on your place of residence. If you have moved or lost your voter card, call your local elections supervisor office to check where you should vote. You can also use the "precinct finder" on your elections supervisor's Web site.

What if I'm registered but someone challenges my right to vote?
Florida law permits any elector or poll watcher to challenge individual voters in writing. If someone challenges you, you can still cast a provisional ballot. The county canvassing board will review the ballot and decide by majority vote whether it should count.

Remember, make sure you're at the right polling place. Provisional ballots cast in the wrong place won't count. Also remember that you have a 5 p.m. Nov. 6 deadline to prove your vote should count.

What if I suspect voter fraud?

Call the Voter Fraud Hotline at 1-877-868-3737.

What do I need to bring to the polls?

Proof of your identification bearing photo and signature. Accepted forms of ID: a Florida driver's license or ID card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, U.S. passport, debit or credit card, military ID, student ID, retirement center ID, neighborhood association ID or public assistance ID.

Contrary to rumor, your ID does not have to show your current address.

I hear lines may be long on Election Day. What other options do I have?

You can vote early or by absentee. Early voting starts Monday and lasts through Nov. 1. You can also pick up an absentee ballot from your county elections supervisor, or request by 5 p.m. on Oct 29 that your supervisor mail one to you. Fill out your ballot, then drop it off or mail it back. Absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 to be counted.

When are the polls open?

Early voting: Hillsborough County's library sites are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; nonlibrary sites will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pinellas voters can vote early at the county's three elections supervisor offices between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In Pasco, early voting runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. All locations are listed on your county elections supervisor's Web site.

On Nov. 4, Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Can I wear a campaign button to the polls?

Voters can wear campaign paraphernalia inside the polling place. They can't solicit votes, however; all campaigning must stop 100 feet from the door. Polling places should likewise be free of campaign posters.

What about all those people inside the polling place, and that guy outside asking people how they voted?

All precincts will have trained poll workers on-hand to assist voters. Political parties can also send poll watchers to observe voting - we expect lots of these this year - but those observers cannot solicit votes. Exit polling is permitted inside the 100-foot perimeter.

I'm disabled, or have trouble reading. What if I need help voting?

Touch-screen voting machines are available for those who physically cannot cast a paper ballot. If you need help voting because of impairment or difficulty reading, you can fill out an assistance request form either in advance or at the polling place. Two election officials or poll workers (one from each major party) will provide assistance. Or if you prefer, you can bring someone with you for help at the polls, provided they are not your employer or a representative of your union.

What is my county election supervisor's Web site?

votehillsborough.org,

votepinellas.com or

pascovotes.com.

Catherine Dolinski

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