A beginner’s guide to voting
On Election Day, make sure you
Posted: October 26, 2012
Before heading to the polls on Nov. 6, consider these tips for new voters from Harrisonburg City Electoral Board Vice Chairperson Jim Gilchrist.
Where to vote
Those registered before Virginia’s Oct. 15 deadline received a voter registration card in the mail. Check this letter-sized form of identification for your polling precinct location, including an address for where to vote.
The city of Harrisonburg’s polling places include Keister Elementary, Lucy Simms, Smithland Elementary, Stonespring Elementary, Thomas Harrison Middle and Waterman Elementary Schools.
Beginner’s mistake No. 1: Missing ID
According to Gilchrist, one of the most common mistakes made by first-time voters is forgetting to bring proper identification.
Along with a voter registration card, bringing along a form of photo identification is advised. A driver’s license or school ID would suffice, as well as a utility bill with name and address listed.
If a voter forgets identification altogether, one option is to vote with a provisional ballot, and then furnish the registrar’s office with a copy of identification before the Friday following the election.
Beginner’s mistake No. 2: Incomplete ballot myth
Something of an “urban legend,” said Gilchrist, is the notion that voting for only one or a portion of items on the ballot means the entire vote is discounted.
So, he says, before “throwing a dart,” you should educate yourself beforehand.
Even if voting for a single issue or for one candidate, it counts.
Beginner’s mistake No. 3: Arriving uninformed
With 20 total candidates across six positions, as well as two proposed constitutional amendments, the 2012 ballot may seem hard to fully understand.
Doing a little homework before hitting the booth, however, can be as simple as talking to one’s neighbors.
For instance, ask friends who are teachers about the school board positions, he suggested. “That way, they’re casting a vote for somebody they know something about.”
On the constitutional amendments, the ballot includes a summarized explanation, but independent research will help voters ensure they’re casting a ballot that matches their own views.
Smooth process
Unlike four years ago, during the 2008 presidential race, the voting process is expected to move quickly and smoothly, at any time of day.
In that election, voters were told to come early, to avoid any hang-ups caused by the thick paper poll books, said Gilchrist. Now, electronic poll books have replaced the paper copies. “[Voters] don’t need to rush in ... ,” he said. “They can come in whenever they’re feeling comfortable.”
So, on Nov. 6, do the research, don’t forget the wallet and vote on the issues that matter to you!
Where to vote
Those registered before Virginia’s Oct. 15 deadline received a voter registration card in the mail. Check this letter-sized form of identification for your polling precinct location, including an address for where to vote.
The city of Harrisonburg’s polling places include Keister Elementary, Lucy Simms, Smithland Elementary, Stonespring Elementary, Thomas Harrison Middle and Waterman Elementary Schools.
Beginner’s mistake No. 1: Missing ID
According to Gilchrist, one of the most common mistakes made by first-time voters is forgetting to bring proper identification.
Along with a voter registration card, bringing along a form of photo identification is advised. A driver’s license or school ID would suffice, as well as a utility bill with name and address listed.
If a voter forgets identification altogether, one option is to vote with a provisional ballot, and then furnish the registrar’s office with a copy of identification before the Friday following the election.
Beginner’s mistake No. 2: Incomplete ballot myth
Something of an “urban legend,” said Gilchrist, is the notion that voting for only one or a portion of items on the ballot means the entire vote is discounted.
So, he says, before “throwing a dart,” you should educate yourself beforehand.
Even if voting for a single issue or for one candidate, it counts.
Beginner’s mistake No. 3: Arriving uninformed
With 20 total candidates across six positions, as well as two proposed constitutional amendments, the 2012 ballot may seem hard to fully understand.
Doing a little homework before hitting the booth, however, can be as simple as talking to one’s neighbors.
For instance, ask friends who are teachers about the school board positions, he suggested. “That way, they’re casting a vote for somebody they know something about.”
On the constitutional amendments, the ballot includes a summarized explanation, but independent research will help voters ensure they’re casting a ballot that matches their own views.
Smooth process
Unlike four years ago, during the 2008 presidential race, the voting process is expected to move quickly and smoothly, at any time of day.
In that election, voters were told to come early, to avoid any hang-ups caused by the thick paper poll books, said Gilchrist. Now, electronic poll books have replaced the paper copies. “[Voters] don’t need to rush in ... ,” he said. “They can come in whenever they’re feeling comfortable.”
So, on Nov. 6, do the research, don’t forget the wallet and vote on the issues that matter to you!