Here are a few answers to questions to help get voters through today.
Q. Who can vote?
Floridians who registered to vote by Oct. 4. If they registered after Oct. 4, they will not be able to vote. If they didn't fill out a registration form correctly, they may not be able to vote. The Supervisor of Elections should have mailed all voters a precinct card. To verify status, call the Elections Office.
Q. What do I need to bring with me to the polls?
Voters should bring identification showing photo and signature, if they have it. Acceptable photo IDs include a driver's license, company badge, credit card, student ID or passport. Elections officials also accept utility bills, bank statements or paychecks to help verify identity. Voters without identification can sign an affidavit.
Q. Where do I go?
The location of a voter's polling site should be listed on voting cards that came in the mail. Those who don't have the card should call their county Elections Office or go to its Web site. Voters can also look up polling sites atwww.mypollingplace.com . It's vital that voters go to the right polling site. Otherwise, their votes will not count.
Q. What time can I vote?
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. today. Those standing in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Q. Do I have to answer personal questions to vote?
No. Election officials should not ask about debts, parking tickets or for a Social Security number. Campaign workers, monitors, lawyers and reporters may ask to speak to voters, who can talk if they want.
Q. What is a provisional ballot?
The Legislature created provisional ballots after the 2000 recount to provide a remedy for voters who might be mistakenly turned away by workers who thought they were ineligible. If a voter's eligibility cannot be determined at the precinct, he or she may fill out a provisional ballot, and the county canvassing board will determine if the ballot should count.
Q. What if I get challenged?
This year, poll watchers could challenge people's right to vote. If that happens, voters should remain calm. Voters will be asked to sign an oath attesting to their name, address, age, political party and eligibility to vote. Voters can present other evidence that they're entitled to vote, too. If poll workers still have doubts about a voter's eligibility, at the least, all voters will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
Q. What if I don't trust the touch screen voting machines?
If voters are in a touch screen county (Pasco, Hillsborough or Pinellas), they need to use the machines. Don't ask for a provisional ballot. The canvassing board will throw out the ballot if a voter demands one simply because he or she doesn't trust the machines.
Q. What if I need assistance using the machines?
A voter can fill out a form at the polling site requesting help. They can get a family member or friend to assist. If a voter has no one to help, two poll workers will assist. There's also a demonstration machine available at each polling place.
