| What Should Teens Expect At The Polling Place? |
 By Kelli Mahoney, About.com Photo by syracuse.com If you are a registered voter, then you should have received a notice as to where you are supposed to go to vote. If you cannot get to that location on Election Day, then you may want to opt for an absentee ballot. However, if you are a first time voter, then you may be a little nervous as to what to expect when you go to the polling place. Here are some things to expect: Before You Head Out the Door Before Christian teens go to the polling place, they should check to make sure they have a few items. Double check that you have all the required identification to cast your vote. Most states require a state-issued I.D. and voter's registration card (if you don't already have one, be sure to register on time). Others require alternative identification such as a piece of official mail with your name and current address. Double check with your local election office to see what you need. When Should I Go? When it is convenient for you and when the polling place is open. Often working voters go early in the morning before work and after they get off of work, so if you go during those times you may have to wait in line. The Greeting When you arrive there should be a person greeting you. You will be directed to those that will check your identification against the voting record. They will then hand you a ballot and direct you to the voting booth. In the Booth Here is the exciting part when Christian teens get to make their voices heard. You get to pull a lever, or fill in the dots, or press buttons on a computer screen. This is when you get to vote for the candidates you have chosen. There may be several candidates or propositions that seem unfamiliar to you, and there should be resource available to help you decipher some of the items on the ballot. On Your Way Out After you have cast your ballot, you will probably receive your "I Voted" sticker that can be displayed proudly on your shirt, coat, purse, or wherever you want to put it. On your way to your car you may be confronted by a pollster asking who you voted for. They are there to give candidates early numbers on votes cast. It is your choice as to whether to answer them or not. You should never feel harassed, though, and should report any harassment to the election officials inside. Also, those pollsters should never pressure you inside the polling place or within a legal radius prior to voting. Ask Questions Voting may seem straightforward, but there are many aspects to the voting process that can be confusing for Christian teens. Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what the election officials are there to do - help you through the process. They should be able to give you unbiased information on the propositions placed on the ballot. They should guide you to where you vote and how to fill out a ballot. By asking questions you will feel better informed and comfortable in the polling place.
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