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