Make That Vote Count

[John Kerry shows off the sign that 5 month old Zoey Busboom wears reading, "Don't make me pay for the Bush deficit," during a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada.]

Tomorrow is it. Please vote. It is not just your right, it's your responsibility.

Note: Voters in Idaho, Maine, Minesotta, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming can register to vote on Election Day.

AOL has provided a great resource with its Election Guide. Type in your zip code and it provides information on the candidates and measures up for votes in your area. Vote Smart also provides relevant voter information such as downloadable registration forms, absentee ballots and precinct locations broken down by state.

Lastly, I'm reprinting this article by Mark Ritchie from Alternet in its entirety. Thanks for the tip, Justcherie.

Top Ten Ways to Make Your Vote Count

Every vote matters on Nov. 2. Here are a few tips to ensure that your vote is counted.

With the memory of 2000's contested election fresh in our minds, and brand new warnings that this election may also be challenged, every vote matters. With all the recent media coverage of contested votes and challenges to ballots, every voter needs to know a few tips in order to ensure your vote is counted:

10. Know your polling place. Many polling places have changed since the last election, so check your polling place ahead of time. If you've not sure where you should go to vote, find out at www.mypollingsite.com.

9. Vote in the morning, when the lines are likely to be shorter. Take a chair, or a good book just in case. Better yet, bring some treats to share with
your fellow voters.

8. Bring a photo ID. Many states have new identification requirements this year, so play it safe by bringing your drivers license or other official ID if at all possible.

7. Not on the list? Ask for a provisional ballot and vote. Every voter has the right to a provisional ballot, even if your name is not on the rolls.

6. Review the sample ballot before voting. Ballots can be confusing (think "butterfly ballot") and many states have changed their ballots since the last election. If you have any questions about the ballot, ask a poll worker.

5. Make a mistake on your ballot? Ask for a new one.

4. Check your ballot before finalizing your vote. Are your chads hanging? Did the computer properly record your votes? Triple-check everything.

3. Get there late? As long as you are in line before the polls close, you still have the right to vote.

2. Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE if you experience or witness a voting emergency such as intimidation or a challenge to your voting rights. Lawyers will be standing by to provide free, immediate, on-the-spot assistance.

1. SHOW UP! Democracy is not a spectator sport. You have to vote if you want your vote to be counted. See you at the polls!

• Image from johnkerry.com.

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