In this election it is vital that you make sure your vote counts, whoever you are voting for. We have two choices from major parties, and a variety from smaller parties. there are a few things you can do to make sure your vote is not wasted, miscounted or otherwise thrown away in this historic election.

1) Vote early

If you have the ability, vote early. Several states have early or absentee voting rules in place. Use them. This makes sure that your vote it not “lost” in the shuffle. You may also want to use the previously suggested social media or citizen journalism tactics to make sure your vote is recorded as you make it, for whom you make it, in real time.

2) Press Firmly

Whether you are voting by punch ballots (remember the hanging chad), touch screen computers, or magic marker on paper, make sure to be thorough. Fill in the complete circle. Push firmly on the hole punch. Select your machine button carefully, slowly and accurately (and remember to keep an eye on it for accuracy before you leave the booth). Doing this small extra step could save much in the way of voting angst later on.

3) Show Up

Don’t let complacency or weather keep you home. Go vote, even if you think “your guy” is going to win.

4) Bring ID

Bring your identification, as required by your state, to make sure there is no question about your eligibility to vote.

5) Make Sure You Are Registered

Take time in the days before the election to go online or to your town hall to make sure you are registered to vote. Unless you live in a real-time registration state like New Hampshire (which allows you to register the day of the election right at the polling place), you may need to confirm that you are eligible.

6) Ignore Bullies

Some people will try intimidation to keep you away from the polling place, in hopes that will help their candidate win. Ignore them. Don’t react. Walk on by and vote – it’s your right.

7) Go To The Right Place

It may seem a simple thing, but knowing where to vote is half the battle. Take time to call ahead or go online and confirm where the correct polling place is for you. By going to the right place first, it saves time and serves to make sure your vote counts.

8) Document, Record and Verify

Do whatever you need to do to document bullying at the polls and put a stop to it, to help people who are elderly or infirm get to the polls, to verify your vote is being counted and record it if necessary. Don’t be shy. Your vote really can make a difference.

9) Be Prepared

With a record election, you could be standing in line for hours to vote. Be ready. Bring water, cell phone, camera, weather gear and more to make sure you can last your entire wait. Be prepared also to ignore hecklers and other last minute influencers. Vote your conscience.

10) Don’t Wear Political Garb

Some times polling places claim you can’t vote if you wear the wrong clothes. It isn’t kosher, but it happens. Save yourself (and your candidate) the grief. Dress normally and just stick to the business of making your vote and making it count, not antagonizing either side.

Related:

More votes cast for Obama in 2008 than for Bush in 2000 or 2004

John McCain beats Barack Obama – at Internet search marketing

Using social media, citizen journalism and mobile technology to make sure your vote counts

McCain, the candidate for big telecos

McCain gaming Digg, Obama Google bombing McCain

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Entry was posted on Saturday, November 1st, 2008 at 6:02 am under Opinion.

Read more entries by Leslie Poston.
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