1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. US Government Info

Election Day Guide

Answers to Election Day Questions

By , About.com Guide

You've registered to vote, studied the candidates and issues, and finally decided how you want to vote. So here it is, election day, and you still have some questions about the basic act of exercising your right to vote. What happens at the polls? What if you make a mistake? How will your vote be counted, and why do so many people fail to vote? Get the answers to these and more election day questions.

Election Day Guide Questions and Answers
Clearly, the main thing to do on election day is vote. But where? When? What if I'm not on the registration list? What if I have a disability? What are my rights as a voter?

If You Make a Mistake While Voting
With all the different types of voting machines now in use across the United States, voters often make mistakes while voting. What happens if you change your mind while voting, or you accidentally vote for the wrong candidate?

People Who Can Help You on Election Day
When voters walk into a busy polling place on election day, they see a vast array of people, most of them rushing around, doing lots of different things. Who are these people and what is their function in the election?

Counting the Votes
Well, it's finally Election Day and it looks like we'll be going to the polls in record numbers. But after the last voter has pulled the handle, punched the card or touched the screen, how will they count all those votes and how do they make sure the votes are counted accurately and fairly?

Why Many Americans Fail to Vote
Why do so many qualified Americans choose not to vote? Let's ask them. The California Voter Foundation (CVF) has released the results of a statewide survey on the attitudes of infrequent voters and citizens eligible to vote but not registered. The first-of-its-kind survey sheds new light on the incentives and barriers to voting, along with the sources of information that influence people when they do vote.

Also See:
Registering to Vote
About Political Action Committees (PACs)
How Much Can You Contribute to a Candidate?

Explore US Government Info

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Weird Breaking News

A daily look at some of the oddest (and dumbest) crimes around. More >

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. US Government Info
  4. The Political System
  5. Election Day Guide: Answers to Election Day Questions>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.