Tuesday, Nov. 04, 2008

Voter info: Poll times, FAQ, more

• Cast your ballot. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

• Call attention to voter trouble. Having trouble voting? Witnessing voter irregularities? Call The State at (803) 771-8560.

ELECTION VOTER FAQ

Where can I find out who’s running in the general election races?

www.scvotes.org/08GENNames.html

Download a PDF: www.scvotes.org/files/08GENNames.pdf

Helpful Web sites:

www.scvotes.org

Where to check your voter registration:

https://webprod.cio.sc.gov/SCSECVoterWeb/voterInformationSearch.do

How do I find my precinct?

scvotes.org has a precinct finder: www.scvotes.org/find_your_precinct

VOTER FACTS

Whom do I contact if there is a problem with my voter registration card or at the polls today?

If you have a problem voting, contact your county voter registration office:

• Richland County: 2020 Hampton St., Columbia; (803) 576-2240; www.rcgov.us

• Lexington County: 605 W. Main St., Suite 105, Lexington; (803) 785-8361; www.lex-co.com

• Kershaw County: 515 Walnut St., (803) 424-4016; www.kershaw.sc.gov

• U.S. Attorney’s Office. To report fraud or voter intimidation. (800) 253-3931

What should I do before going to the polls?

Decide which presidential, state and local candidates you will vote for and how you will vote on the three constitutional questions on the ballot. If there is a line at your polling site, you will get a handout explaining the three constitutional questions. Depending where you live, there also may be a school bond measure on the ballot.

When are the busiest times at the polls?

If possible, avoid 7 to 9 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

What should I take with me to the polls?

You must have one of the following items to vote:

• Voter registration card

• Driver’s license

• DMV-issued ID card

If you registered to vote by mail, are voting for the first time and did not submit proof of ID with your application, you may not vote with only your voter registration card. Additional ID, such as a driver’s license, will be required.

What must I leave home?

Leave hats, shirts, pins and other paraphernalia that endorse a candidate at home. You cannot wear these within 200 feet of any entrance to a polling place. This law applies to posters, pamphlets, brochures, signs, buttons, hats, T-shirts, etc. Voters with campaign material will not be turned away, but will be asked to remove the material, cover the material, or otherwise cause the material not to be seen before being allowed to vote.

SOURCES: Staff reports, State Election Commission, county registration offices

Online

After the polls close, go to thestate.com for updates of election results in Richland, Lexington and Kershaw counties.

The State will be posting updates as soon as available for each race on your ballot — from school board races to president — and for ballot questions on building new Irmo-area schools and allowing Sunday beer and wine sales in Blythewood and in Richland County.

• Keep up with election parties. Tonight, Otis Taylor and Natasha Derrick crash the local political parties. Follow along with their live feeds on video and Twitter.