Read this before you vote

‘ ‘ ‘ If you think you’re going to be able to stop by your polling place to vote 15 minutes… ‘ ‘ ‘ If you think you’re going to be able to stop by your polling place to vote 15 minutes before class tomorrow, you might be in for a surprise. ‘ ‘ ‘ According to Rock the Vote, young voters more than doubled their turnout in the 2008 primaries and caucuses. It is estimated that the turnout for tomorrow’s election will be just as high. ‘ ‘ ‘ But first-time voters should know a few things before they head to the polls. ‘ ‘ ‘ College Democrats president Lissa Geiger said students should anticipate long lines on Election Day from the large number of newly registered voters on campus this year. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Sometimes, there can be technical problems with the voting machines or people will forget things, and that can really slow down the process,’ said Geiger. ‘ ‘ ‘ Pennsylvania accepts numerous forms of identification, including photo and non-photo options. ‘ ‘ ‘ First-time voters should try to bring their voter registration card, but the only thing necessary is a form of identification. ‘ ‘ ‘ Acceptable forms of identification range from a Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID card issued by PennDOT to a current utility bill with the address of the voter. All forms of approved identification can be found on the Allegheny County Division of Elections Web site. The Allegheny County Elections Division did not return phone calls for an interview. ‘ ‘ ‘ Students should also be aware of their assigned polling places. ‘ ‘ ‘ Many lower campus students vote in Wesley Posvar Hall, while upper campus students’ polling place is in Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial. ‘ ‘ ‘ All off-campus students should refer to their voter registration cards to determine their polling locations. ‘ ‘ ‘ All polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Even if the wait lasts beyond 8 p.m., anyone in line by that time is guaranteed the right to vote. ‘ ‘ ‘ Shannon Martin, coordinator of Student Vote Coalition, said that the earlier students go to vote, the less likely they will have to wait in long lines. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘College students don’t get out of bed before 10,’ said Martin. ‘So, my advice is to vote early and then you can leave early and have the rest of the day.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ However, if students want to sleep in, the Student Vote Coalition planned different ways to keep the voters interested and in line all day long. ‘ ‘ ‘ The Student Vote Coalition created a program for Election Day called Voter Hospitality to keep voters interested. The program’s goal is to do anything they can do to get voters to stay in line, including offering food, Sudoku puzzles and giving out ‘as much free stuff as possible,’ said Martin. ‘ ‘ ‘ Patrick Graham, president of the College Republicans, also said the lines will be long, but voting is worth the sacrifice of waiting. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Bring a textbook to read so you’re not standing around doing nothing,’ said Graham. ‘You have 13 hours ‘hellip; everyone can find an hour to go and vote.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Along with the presidential election, first-time voters should also know they have the option to vote for local Congressmen. ‘ ‘ ‘ Considering that many young voters switched their voting location to Pittsburgh, voters can opt not to vote in these elections if they feel like they do not know enough about the candidates, or they can chose to vote strictly for their political party. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘If you feel comfortable voting towards your party, then fine. But if you really don’t know anything, just opt not to vote in that race,’ said Geiger. ‘ ‘ ‘ A warning Graham gives to first-time voters is to be very careful during the process. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Just read the screens and know that there’s no time limit once you get in there, so you can review it and make sure that’s who you want to vote for,’ said Graham.