Get Thee To A Polling Place

Contrary to urban legend, a polling place is not where strippers dance during the elections, though that might increase turnout (of both supporters and protesters). Your polling place is your special place to cast that ballot. It could be almost anywhere: in a church or school or a neighbor's garage or a roller rink or at the skate park (I wish). The important thing is knowing where to go when it's time to vote.

How to figure out where you vote:: If you have received your voter registration card, look for the precint number. States are divided into counties and then precincts. Your precinct has a unique polling place and this is where you will vote.

Lists of polling places are published and posted publicly just before any election. The best place to get the latest information is your local newspaper or your county election official. Most election officials have web sites now where you can be sure you are registered to vote, find your polling place, and get answers to local questions. The easiest way to find your election official is to google: your state+county+election.

Here is the break down of election officials in your state : Your Secretary of State oversees the county level election officials. The county trains election judges and polling place workers* to man the polls. If you go to vote and there is a problem, the election judge should be able to recolve the issue, or they will call the county clerk, who in turn will call the state office, until the issue is resolved.

What you will find when you get to the polling place: When you walk in you will be asked for your voter registration card. First time voters (and in some states) you are required to show a picture id as well. The polling place workers will then verify that you are eligible to vote and then you will usually be required to sign the roster. Your precinct may use any number of machines from pull levers to the controversial electronic machines. People will be on hand to answer any questions you have about how they work. Don't be shy. You want to be sure your chad is not left dangling....

In many states there are primary elections being held over the next month. If you are now registered to vote, go ahead and get your feet wet in the primary. Primary elections are run offs to see which candidates will be on the ballot in November. The League of Women Voters is a good resource for candidate information, but you might need to tap into local party resources for smaller races.


*Note: You, yes you, can be an election judge or polling place worker if you are eligible to vote. It's simple (really) and training is provided by your county election officials. Most positions are paid (how about some cash?) and you can choose how many hours you work. So, how about adding a smiling face to that musty old polling place?