It seems strange to me now, on the eve of this election, to post about anything but. At the same time, there’s not much I still feel like saying about it. I made my decision long ago, and have already voted. I’m glad to be able to claim this election as the first I’ve been old enough to vote in.

The following information should serve as a reminder to those who have not yet voted and are doing some last minute preparation: Make sure you know what you’re doing and what your voting rights are! Don’t get turned away from the polls tomorrow!

Visit this state-by-state ACLU know-your-rights guide, complete with printable and informative Voter Empowerment cards and other resources.

From the second Action Alert issued by the Voter Suppression Wiki (via Pam’s House Blend):

BEFORE YOU GO TO VOTE confirm polling location: not always same as primary / caucus location. Check @ http://govote.org print out voting rights: know phone numbers, rules, etc. Check out http://bit.ly/print-voting-rights save election protection numbers in your cell: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683 Espanol 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682 Asian languages: 800-966-5946 get the information for Twitter Vote Report and other ways of reporting your experience check weather note nearby public bathrooms

VOTING DAY PACKING LIST

• avoid political buttons or campaign-related clothing
• bring I.D. just in case — see your state’s ID requirements here

(for yourself or others)…

• bottled water. snacks
• umbrella / trash: bags in case of rain.
• sweater / jacket: in case of cold or to cover campaign clothing
• folding chairs: for the tired, the injured, the elders
• camera: to document fraud or simply history. share with Video The Vote or YouTube’s Video Your Vote project.

ACTIVITIES TO PASS THE TIME WAITING IN LINE

• be alert for scams! for example, if somebody suggest you can “vote by phone” to avoid the line, they’re lying — call the hotline to report it
• play six degrees of kevin bacon
• remember favorite campaign moments
• sing civil rights songs
• make up new dances
• meet your neighbors!

FINALLY…

• if you have problems voting, call the hotline numbers (1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA)
• remember that voting with a provisional ballot is better than not voting at all
• if you are in line when the polls close, you are still allowed to vote

Remember, voting is only the beginning. If you are a voting U.S. citizen, your vote is the least of your civil rights, the least of your political responsibilities. Even as such–your vote is vital.

It’s been quite the campaign season, and I know many of us are eager for an end, for results, for a beginning. So: stay calm. But prepare. Make your effort count.

Posted under Politics