If you’re getting ready to hit the polls today, you should be prepared. Know what’s on your ballot, bring something to read (or maybe an external battery pack), and get ready for long lines. Here’s a video guide to get you through it.


Try to head out during off-peak hours, so late morning but not lunch, or after lunch but not late afternoon when everyone’s coming back from work.


First of all, make sure you know where your polling place is located. Bring the required forms of ID for your state, and be ready to wait in line. Bring an external battery pack to keep your phone charged while you wait, and if you’re not familiar what’s on the ballot beyond the major Presidential candidates, now’s a good time to do your homework so you’re not lost in the voting booth.

Also, pack a snack and some water to drink, especially if you anticipate a long line at your polling location. Oh, and avoid taking too many photos, or those infamous “ballot selfies,” which are illegal in many states, can get you in trouble in more, and just uncouth all around. You probably want to just keep your phone in your pocket when it’s your turn to actually cast your ballot unless you’re using it to look over a sample ballot you’ve filled out earlier.


Of course, if your voting machine is misbehaving, or you’re being intimidated by a so-called “poll watcher,” whip out that smartphone again, take some snapshots, and report them to the proper authorities.