5 steps to Election Day preparedness

Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day and polling locations in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania will be open from 7am until 8pm — so get out there and vote! As voting is one of the most important activities that we can participate in as citizens, it’s important to be prepared. Test your readiness by reading through the steps below.

1. Find your polling place

There are apps and doo-dads that will help you find your polling place, but we’ve found the Allegheny County Elections Division’s tool to be the most accurate.

2. Look at a sample ballot

Voting is way less fun when if feels like you’re taking a quiz for which you haven’t properly prepared. Using the same tool linked above, you can preview the ballot you’ll see on E-Day.

On the page where your polling location is displayed, you can click to view a sample ballot…

And just like that, you’ll be looking at a preview of the exact names and races that you’ll see on the ballot when you go to vote. No surprises.

3. Plan a time to cast your ballot

The best way to make sure that you vote is to plan it into your day. So decide now whether you’ll be voting in the morning, evening, or afternoon. Remember, most people vote before or after work, so there may be a small wait. Be sure to leave yourself a few extra minutes in case of delays.

4. Know how you’re getting to the polls

For once, it’s not supposed to be a rainy and cold Election Day! Might we suggest biking or walking to your polling place? The forecast shows beautiful fall weather for tomorrow, sunny with a high temperature of 66 degrees.



If you walk or bike to your polling place tomorrow, take a photo to document your experience and tweet at @BikePGH using #iwalkivote, #ibikeivote, or #ibikeiwalkivote.

5. To bring an ID or not to bring an ID?

If you’ve voted at your polling place in the past, you do not need to bring an ID with you when voting. If you’re voting for the first time or if you are voting for the first time at a new polling place, you will need to show some form of ID, though it does not have to be a photo ID. If you’re voting for the first time at a new polling place, check out this list of acceptable forms of ID.

Problems?

If you experience any problems at the polls tomorrow (such as your poll not being open on time, unreasonably long lines at the polls, or broken voting machines) call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to report the problem.

Feeling ready? Great. See you at the polls!

WE BIKE. WE WALK. WE VOTE.



Socialize. Get up-to-date. Share your ideas. Want to hear the latest information on biking and walking infrastructure improvements coming to Pittsburgh? Do you want to shape the future of BikePGH’s work? Join us for the 2014 Annual Member Meeting on Thursday, November 20 at Point Park University, downtown. This meeting is open to all BikePGH members. Reserve your seat today OR become a member today to attend.