Posted 7:56 am Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Allow Plenty of Time When Casting Ballots
On this historic Election Day, the Tyler Morning Telegraph heartily endorses patience.
With a voter turnout expected to break all records, lines at polling places are likely. So be patient, and don't sacrifice your right to be heard to a busy schedule. Make time to vote, and make sure it's sufficient time.
The Smith County elections office expects record numbers to cast their ballots during this election, said Elections Administrator Karen Chaney. She said the presidential race has peaked interest during the primaries and leading up to the voter registration deadline.
The Secretary of State's office, which oversees the state's election sites, reported more than 3 million registered Texans cast a ballot during early voting.
Smith County has also broken early voting records. That's a clear indicator that Election Day voting will be heavy, as well.
But there are steps voters can take that will help speed the process. The first is bringing their voter registration card to the polls.
"If a voter presents a voter registration certificate, he will not be required to show another form of I.D.," the Texas Secretary of State's office notes. "If, however, a voter does not have a voter registration certificate with him, he may still vote if he provides another form of identification."
Voters whose names aren't on the list of registered voters won't be turned away from the polls. They'll be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which will only be counted after the voter's eligibility has been confirmed.
There are some rules that will also help ensure voting remains orderly and as quick as possible.
Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of a polling place. That includes urging others to vote a particular way, carrying signs, and wearing political T-shirts or buttons.
Voters who arrive wearing such shirts, state officials say, will be asked to turn the shirt inside-out.
Also, polls close at 7 p.m. -- but that doesn't mean voting ends, if there are still voters in line. Any voter who has arrived at the polling place by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.
"I am excited about the growth we have seen statewide in voter registrations since March," says Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade. "Texans recognize the importance of this election."
So be patient, but be counted -- vote today.
