Key info to help you at the polls today

Published: May 7, 2012 

VOTE.NE.050812.ASR

Precinct official Robert Bergeron exchanges an identification form for a ballot during busy early morning voting Tuesday at the Leesville Road Elementary precinct.

Shawn Rocco — SHAWN ROCCO - srocco@newsobserver.comBuy Photo

There are slightly more than 6.2 million registered voters in the state; 507,655 have already voted. Now it’s everyone else’s chance. Here’s what you need to know:

When you can vote: Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. If you are in line by 7:30 p.m. you must be allowed to vote.

What’s on the ballot: In addition to the presidential slate, there are nine statewide races, including for governor and lieutenant governor, and a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions. Most ballots include races for congressional districts and state house races. Be sure to turn your ballot over to ensure that you don’t a miss a race. Who can vote: Any U.S. citizen who is at least 18 and registered to vote in North Carolina. Unaffiliated voters will be asked to choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot.

What you need: You do not need to show identification to poll workers when you vote. You will need to state your name, address and party affiliation. However, if you are a first-time voter who registered to vote by mail without sending in a form of ID, you’ll need to show an ID. You can use a current N.C. driver’s license or one of these documents with your name and current address: utility bill, pay-stub/W-2, bank statement, or any document from any government agency.

What if you make a mistake: If you mess up a ballot, you can ask for a new one.

What you can take into the voting booth: Paper. If you need help remembering whom to vote for, write the names on a piece of paper. No electronic devices with Wi-Fi capabilities, including cellphones and tablets, are allowed to be used inside the voting booth. Turn them off; keep them in your pocket.

If you need assistance: Anyone with a physical disability or someone who, because of illiteracy, needs help marking a ballot may be assisted by a family member or another person of their choice in entering the voting booth, preparing the ballot and leaving the booth. It’s also OK to vote curbside, from your car

If you see something amiss: Find the chief judge onsite (he or she will be wearing a badge) or call your county board of elections.

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