Voting: questions and answers

A record number of voters are expected to jam polling places Tuesday to cast their ballots in a historic election that will send either the first African American president or the first female vice president to the White House, as well as decide 12 statewide ballot issues. Here's what you need to know to avoid hassles and ensure that your vote is counted:

How do I find out if I am registered to vote? How do I find my polling place?

You can find your polling place online or by phone. You can check your registration status by phone or, in some counties, online. In L.A. County, visit http://www.lavote.net or call (800) 815-2666. In Ventura County, visit http://recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.htm or call (805) 654-2781. In Orange County, visit http://www.ocvote.com or call (714) 567-7600. In San Bernardino County, visit http://www.sbcounty.gov/rov or call (800) 881-8683. In Riverside County, visit http://www.election.co.riverside.ca.us or call (951) 486-7200.

What if my name does not appear on the voter registration list?

Request a provisional ballot at your polling place.

What is a provisional ballot?

Such ballots ensure that no properly registered voter is denied the right to cast a ballot. Poll workers will ask a voter to use a provisional ballot if the voter's name doesn't appear on a polling place roster; if they never received their mail-in ballot; if they moved within their county without re-registering to vote; or if they're voting for the first time in a federal election and failed to bring identification.

How do I know if my provisional ballot was counted?

Election officials are required to provide information to voters about whether their provisional ballot was counted. Officials urge voters to provide detailed information with a provisional ballot describing where and when they registered to vote. Workers will also check to see if signatures provided with a provisional ballot match those on registration forms. If the provisional ballot is rejected, election officials are required to provide voters with the reason why.

Do I need to bring identification, or other paperwork, to my polling place?

In a federal election, if you are voting for the first time and registered to vote by mail, you may be asked to show a photo ID, or provide a document, such as a recent utility bill, that indicates your name and residence address. Voters who registered by mail and have not previously voted in that county will also be asked for identification.