At the polls...
Polls must be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for state elections;
the hours vary for local elections.
Sample ballots and instructions
are posted at the polls on election day.
When you enter the polling
place give your address and name to the
election official at the check-in
table.
If you need help, ask an election
official for assistance.
Should you spoil your ballot
you may request another.
If I cannot read or write
English, can I vote?
Yes, as long as you are registered.
You may ask any person of your
choice to help you or you may
request help from the election officials
at the polling place.
When are elections held?
Presidential primaries are held once every four years in March.
State elections occur every other year in even numbered years.
The primary is conducted in September and the election in November.
Town elections usually occur every year sometime between February and June.
Each town sets its own date.
City elections occur every
other year in odd numbered years.
The preliminary, if there is one, is held in September or October
and the election is held in November.
What should I do if my name
is not on the voter's list?
Ask the election officer in
charge of the polling place to check your registration
by looking at the inactive voters list and calling city or town hall.
If that is not successful you
may go to your city or town hall to attempt to establish your identity as a registered voter. If the election officers there are satisfied of your registration, you will be given a certificate stating such. You may either vote there by absentee ballot or you may return to your polling place, present the certificate provided at city or town hall and cast your ballot there.
If your registration cannot
be verified, you may cast a ballot which is held aside and counted only if the election is very close. This is called an escrow ballot.
