Keep it simple on Election day with some preparation.

Voting should be as simple as everything else you do that Tuesday. In fact, except for the rejuvenation of inner spirit that participating in democracy may provide, you shouldn’t even notice that your day was any different from the last. Just a little preparation will clear up the most common confusions at your poll site.

Before Election Day

Voting links
Google Vote – An easy starting place for election-related information anywhere in the US.
Check your registration – Look up your name (New York State only).
Register in NYC – Directions for registering or updating your address (New York City only).

If you live in New York State, first check your name name against the voter registration records by going here and entering your name, birthday, and location. (The site can be a little quirky; if it doesn’t load, take a break and check back in a few hours.)

If you are not found, then the Board of Elections may have made a mistake. (Make sure you submit a new registration to ensure you are listed next year.)

If you live in New York City, you can still look up your correct poll site, election district, and assembly district for your home address. (This doesn’t confirm your name will appear on the voter registration list, but this is definitely where you should vote, by affidavit ballot if necessary.)

On Election Day

Thanks
Miranda July – For inspiration.

<img src="http://macktez.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/voted_big-160×160.png" alt="" title="voted_big" width="160" height="160" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-469" srcset="https://www.macktez.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/voted_big-160×160 visit the website.png 160w, https://www.macktez.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/voted_big-80×80.png 80w, https://www.macktez.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/voted_big-576×576.png 576w, https://www.macktez.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/voted_big.png 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 160px) 100vw, 160px” />There are two books at your poll site. The one at a table near the entrance is for looking up your election district by your home address. The one at the table next to each voting machine shows your name in the voter registration list, but only for that particular election district.

If you’ve done your prep work, you don’t need that first book. And if they can’t find your name in the second book, don’t let them send you away. Your home address on Election Day determines your poll site, whether your name appears in their book or not. You might not be allowed to use the machine, but you can always vote with an affidavit ballot.