Polls open today at 7 a.m. in the District and Maryland and close at 8 p.m. In Virginia, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Here is some advice on what to bring to the polls and how to find your precinct:
District voters have the choice between using electronic voting machines or casting a paper ballot for the first time since the 2004 election.
Before you head to the polls, check out demonstrations of how to use the equipment.
District voters who registered by mail might be asked to show identification at their precinct, said Board of Elections and Ethics spokesman Bill O’Field. Otherwise, a voter card or driver’s license are not necessary, he said.
“They don’t need ID unless they registered by mail and didn’t provide ID (at the time),” O’Field said.
Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license or utility bill. The Board sent out a voter’s guide in October with information on voter rights. It also included a sample ballot that election officials urge voters to look at.
In Virginia, the primary forms of required ID are a state driver’s license or a voter ID card. People who do not have identification will be asked to sign a short voter affirmation form, which will be checked against voter rolls on the spot, said Alexandria General Registrar Tom Parkins.
As soon as a voter is issued the absentee ballot, the person’s record is noted in their poll book, Parkins said.
First-time voters in Montgomery County may be required to show proper identification.
A driver’s license or official document, such as a utility bill, including the voter’s name and address are acceptable.
Voter registration cards are not required to vote.
State officials encouraged voters to visit www.mdvotes.org/demo.php for a demonstration of how to use electronic voting equipment.
Locating your precinct
» Voters in D.C. can visit the District Board of Elections and Ethics or call 202-727-2525.
» In Maryland, Montgomery County voters can find their precinct at the Montgomery County Website or call 240-777-VOTE.
» Prince George’s County residents can check out the Prince George’s County website or call 301-430-8020.
» Maryland voters can also find precinct information at the state Board of Elections Web site.
» In Virginia, voters can find their precinct by visiting Virginia.gov.
» Alexandria: Alexandriavoter.org or 703-838-4050.
» Arlington County: Arlingtonva.us or 703-228-3456.
» Fairfax County: FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-222-0776.
Part of the Washington DC Examiner’s 2006 election coverage.
