You Decide 2012: Things to know before you vote

GREEN BAY - The day to cast your ballot is almost here.

But before you go to the polls Tuesday, here are 10 things the Government Accountability Board says you should know before you vote.

First, know where you’re supposed to vote, and if you’re registered there. You can find that by going to the My Vote Wisconsin website.

“We have 47 wards in Green Bay, and depending on where you live determines where we tell you to vote,” said Kris Teske, the Green Bay City Clerk.

Secondly, you can register to vote on Election Day at your polling place. You’ll need proof of residence: A bill, lease, university ID card, or other official document showing your name and current address. You must live in your ward for 28 days in order to vote there.

Third: A photo ID is not required for voters to receive a ballot. That’s because the state’s voter photo ID law is currently on hold in the courts.

Fourth: Voters should know what to do if they’re witnessing problems at a polling place. You should first talk to the Chief Election Inspector at that polling location. If it can’t be resolved, call your clerk or law enforcement.

Election observers must also follow rules. If they don’t, they’ll be asked to leave.

“If you’re watching the polls, you can’t have a button for a particular candidate or something,” said Teske.

You can request up to three hours of unpaid time off to vote on Election Day, according to state law. However, you must ask for that in advance.

Voters are asked to leave political items, such as tee shirts, signs, or buttons, at home. It could be seen as electioneering.

You have to be in line by 8 p.m. on Tuesday in order to vote.

Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day. It must be received to your municipal clerk’s office by 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election.

“Just be patient at the polls,” Teske recommends.

Teske says it will be busy. She's expecting 80 to 85 percent of registered voters in our area to cast a ballot.

There’s no longer straight-party voting. You can no longer check off one spot on the ballot that will cast all your votes for that particular party. You must mark each office individually.