7 To-Dos Before Entering the Voting Booth

Be informed and rock the vote on Nov. 4.

Make It Count  - As with every political election, it’s crucial to get out and rock the vote. But before you head to the polls, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Read on to take a look at some basic tips that’ll help you throughout the voting process. By Dontaira Terrell  (Photo: Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Make It Count - As with every political election, it’s crucial to get out and rock the vote. But before you head to the polls, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Read on to take a look at some basic tips that’ll help you throughout the voting process. By Dontaira Terrell  (Photo: Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Registered, Right? - Remember, if you’re not a registered voter you will not be allowed to enter the polling station to cast your ballot. Therefore, it is extremely important to make sure you're registered within your respective city and state. If unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the office of your secretary of state, which will provide you with the most up-to-date information.  (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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Hours of Operation - If you’re unable to make it to the polls during the allotted hours, submit an absentee ballot. You don’t want to run the risk of not having your vote counted.  (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Do Your Homework - Before you vote, make it a point to become familiarized with the issues at stake and where each candidate falls within them. To make it a little easier, sample ballots are usually available at least three weeks prior to the election.  (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Do Your Homework - Before you vote, make it a point to become familiarized with the issues at stake and where each candidate falls within them. To make it a little easier, sample ballots are usually available at least three weeks prior to the election.  (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Exercise Your Rights - Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to get down to business and make the final pick. Although not ideal, you have the right to cast a blank vote for any of the candidates or positions, if you so choose.  (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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Paper vs. Touch Screen - It’s your prerogative whether or not you choose to vote by paper ballot or by touch screen. If voting by paper, make sure to complete both front and back. On the other hand, as with any form of technology, sometimes touch screens can get a little tricky. Either way, double-check all of your responses.  (Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

No Photos  - Keep your cell phone tucked away until you have officially submitted your ballot. Once inside the polling location, there are absolutely no pictures allowed.  (Photo: Josh Westrich/Corbis)

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No Photos - Keep your cell phone tucked away until you have officially submitted your ballot. Once inside the polling location, there are absolutely no pictures allowed. (Photo: Josh Westrich/Corbis)

Voter ID on Trial - On Sept. 2, lawyers for the Justice Department began oral arguments against Texas's voter-ID requirement, which the law's opponents say discriminates against Blacks and Hispanics. If the state loses, it could be required to get federal approval before making future changes to its voting procedures.   (Photo: Eric Gay, File/AP Photo)

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Don't Forget Your I.D. - Before you’re able to enter the polling station, you must show some form of government-issued identification, such as a state drivers license. So, don’t leave home without it, especially on Election Day!  (Photo: Eric Gay, File/AP Photo)