How to be a successful voter

Last update: November 1, 2008 - 8:55 PM

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL VOTER

Many new voters are expected at the polls for Tuesday's election. For others, it may have been four years since their last visit. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you're registering at the polling place because you've just moved into the precinct or changed your name, bring identification and proof that you live in the precinct, such as a utility bill or student fee or rent statement. Or persuade a neighbor to go with you to the polling place and sign a statement that you live in the precinct. For more details go to the secretary of state's website, www.sos.state.mn.us.

• Don't wear a campaign button or T-shirt within 100 feet of the polling place. No campaigning allowed.

• If you're disabled, you can ask for a ballot to be brought to your car or use special touch-screen equipment inside. Someone can help you vote, but it can't be your boss, union rep or a candidate.

• If you're voting on a college campus, expect a crowd. Student turnout usually runs about 10 percentage points lower than the general population turnout, but they could be equal this year, said Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.

• Voters need not wait for a privacy booth to fill out their ballot. At many polling places, there will be extra clipboards as a substitute.

• If there's a line at 8 p.m., an election judge will identify the last person in it. That will be the last person allowed to vote.

• In a hurry? Ritchie recommends voting in the afternoon, when the polls aren't as busy.

BILL MCauliffe

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