News

Election Day walkthrough

By Michael D. Bates | Hernando Today
Published: November 4, 2012

For months, residents have been inundated with scores of political mailings, nasty attack ads and endless spiels of why they should vote for candidate A over candidate B.

On Tuesday, it all comes to an end as candidates find out if any of their maneuverings meshed with the voters, who go to the polls and pick their representatives for office.

Voters will also find a plethora of amendments and referendums awaiting them at the ballot box.

Thousands of people have already done their civic duty.

At press time, of the 30,181 people who had requested absentee ballots, 23,900 people had returned them, according to the supervisor of elections office. Those ballots are due into the elections office no later than 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Early voting ended Saturday, and at press time 10,148 people had participated.

Here is an Election Day primer to help people with last-minute questions:

Will I have to wait in line to vote?

Possibly, because a large turnout is expected. Voter turnout varies by precinct.

To avoid waiting in line, avoid the typically busy times, which are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. As long as you are in line (at your assigned polling place) before the closing of the polls at 7 p.m. you will be allowed to vote.

Should I bring anything with me when I go?

Bring a photo and signature identification.

The only acceptable forms of photo ID per Florida Statute are: a Florida driver's license, Florida ID card issued by the DMV, a U.S. passport, a debit or credit card, a military ID, a neighborhood association ID, a retirement center ID, a student ID or a public assistance ID.

If the photo ID does not contain a signature, you must present a second form of ID with a signature. The identification provided for signature can be any form of ID with your signature.

What must I do to receive a ballot?

Step 1: Provide your ID to the poll worker.

Step 2: The poll worker will search for your voter record in the EVID, or electronic voter identification system — a tabletop portable computer that checks voters in electronically.

Step 3: Once the poll worker finds your record, he will verify your name and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you will be allowed to update your address with the precinct coordinator.

Step 4: The poll worker will ask you to read the oath and sign the signature pad.

Step 5: The poll worker will compare your signature to the signature on the ID you provide. If your signature has significantly changed, you will be allowed to update your signature with the precinct coordinator.

Step 6: If your name, address and signature all match and you are at your correct polling place, you will be issued a voting pass.

Step 7: You take the voting pass to the ballot pick-up table and exchange the pass for a ballot.

Step 8: You will vote your ballot at a voting booth. There is a marking pen provided for you in the booth.

Step 9: Once finished voting your ballot, take it to the ballot box and insert it into the Accu-vote machine.

Step 10: You will receive your 'I Voted' sticker.

mbates@hernandotoday.com (352) 544-5290