Polls in New York City open at 6 am today and will remain open until 9 pm. That’s the easy part. Here’s some additional information from the New York Civil Liberties Union that should answer all of your last-minute questions.

Most of all, please vote today.

Where do I vote?

You can look up your polling place at the Board of Elections Web site at http://gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm or by calling (866) VOTE-NYC (868-3692). It is very important to go to the polling place where you are currently registered because otherwise, you may be forced to cast an “affidavit” ballot.

Wait, am I even registered?

How should I know? Go to https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx to check your status.

What if I am registered, but my name is not in the big book?

Remain calm. Ask the poll worker to review the book from start to finish (sometimes the pages are miscollated). If you are truly not in the book, demand to cast an affidavit ballot, which will be counted later. But make sure you cast it correctly, as it can be thrown out (hanging chads anyone?) if you do it properly.

Do I have to show ID?

Not if you have voted in the city or a federal election before. But if you registered by mail after Jan. 1, 2003 and did not provide a proper form of ID at that time, you will have to show a valid photo ID now. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a current utility bill or recent paycheck (one with your name on it, of course).

What if someone challenges my right to vote? Ask to take a “challenge oath,” which allows you to attest that you are telling the truth and will allow you to cast an affidavit ballot.

Can I bring election material, including last week’s Brooklyn Paper election guide, to the polls with me?

Yes, as long as the information is for your own use inside the voting booth. But you’re not allowed to show or distribute these materials to anyone else within 100 feet of your polling place.

If the line is long, can I still vote?

As long as you are ON LINE by 9 pm, your vote must legally be accepted.

What if I still have trouble?

Complain to the poll worker. If the poll worker is the problem, seek out a poll watcher. If that doesn’t work, call the New York Civil Liberties Union hotline at (212) 607-3300.

©2008 Community Newspaper Group