Last minute tips for the election
Updated: November 2, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- If you plan on voting early in the Presidential Election, you only have one day left. Everyone else will have to make the trek Tuesday, Election Day. That's your last chance to cast a ballot. WCIA-3's Ashley Michels finds out tips and tricks to helping those who have to wait until the last minute.
These are just basic voter rights a lot of people tend to forget, or might not have ever thought about before. The state has built-in safeguards to help make sure you get to vote.
"What if I'm stuck at work all day and can't make it in to vote?"
A pretty common problem for voters. But, by law, your boss has to let you go. You can take up to two hours. The only catch, you don't get paid and your boss picks the time.
If you're a student, "Professors always allowed us to take time out of class to go and vote."
But, say time just gets away from you on Tuesday.
"What happens if I show up and they're, like closing the doors?"
If you're running late, you're in the clear as long as you're in line by 7 pm. That's when the polls close. Election judges can't say "no" even if you're stuck way in back.
"There have been a couple of times where I've gotten in right at the end and usually it's not a problem."
For the undecided voters, "What if I mess up or want to change my vote?"
That's allowed. If you want to scrap your choice, or didn't mark the right spot, you can ask for a new ballot. But, be careful, once it goes in the drop box, it's final.
One other voting right, if you are disabled or don't speak English and need help, you're allowed to bring one person into the booth with you to cast your ballot.
These are just basic voter rights a lot of people tend to forget, or might not have ever thought about before. The state has built-in safeguards to help make sure you get to vote.
"What if I'm stuck at work all day and can't make it in to vote?"
A pretty common problem for voters. But, by law, your boss has to let you go. You can take up to two hours. The only catch, you don't get paid and your boss picks the time.
If you're a student, "Professors always allowed us to take time out of class to go and vote."
But, say time just gets away from you on Tuesday.
"What happens if I show up and they're, like closing the doors?"
If you're running late, you're in the clear as long as you're in line by 7 pm. That's when the polls close. Election judges can't say "no" even if you're stuck way in back.
"There have been a couple of times where I've gotten in right at the end and usually it's not a problem."
For the undecided voters, "What if I mess up or want to change my vote?"
That's allowed. If you want to scrap your choice, or didn't mark the right spot, you can ask for a new ballot. But, be careful, once it goes in the drop box, it's final.
One other voting right, if you are disabled or don't speak English and need help, you're allowed to bring one person into the booth with you to cast your ballot.
