The best way for new voters to combat feelings of doubt, confusion and uncertainty is to know a little more about what to do tomorrow.
To find out about candidates on the ballot, a good source would be the Sample Ballot & Voter Information Pamphlet.
This sample ballot shows you how the real ballot will look like. It also has statements from candidates for U.S. Representatives so you can know more about the candidates, both personally and politically.
The Information Pamphlet is easily accessible online at the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters website.
So you now know all about the candidates. What next?
You have to know where to go to vote.
Poll locations are printed on the back of the Information Pamphlet. If you did not receive the pamphlet, the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters website has a useful tool to determine your voting location on the left side of the homepage. Click on “Find Your Polling Place” and simply type in your address and it gives you the address of your polling place.
It is important to go to the correct polling location because your name will be only on the roster of the county you registered in.
According to the California Secretary of State website, all polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
There is no time limit as to how long you may spend in the polling booth so you can take your time when reading the ballot.
Smartvoter.org states that if you make a mistake with your ballot, you may request another from any attendant. If you need help in marking your ballot, two people may assist you if you take an oath overseen by a worker that you truly need help.
In California, it is not required to bring a form of identification with you to the poll booth if you have voted before and your name is on the roster.
As stated on smartvoter.org, you will just be asked for your name, address, and signature. If this is your first time voting and you didn’t give any identification numbers when you were registering, then you may need a government issued photo identification such as a driver’s license or student ID card.
Just to be on the safe side, bring a photo ID with you.
After you vote and return your ballot, you will receive an “I Voted” sticker. Wear it proudly, because you just participated in what makes our country so notable: democracy.