Below is a list of commonly asked questions about voting. If there’s something about voting you’re wondering but which is not covered in this guide, email jloder@gazette.net and we’ll try to get the information.

Q. What do I need to bring with me to vote?

In Virginia:

Voters in Virginia must show a form of ID at the polls to vote. Acceptable forms of identification include:

* Virginia voter identification card

* Valid Virginia driver's license

* Military ID * Any Federal, state or local government-issued ID

* Employer-issued photo ID card

* Social Security card

In Maryland:Some first-time voters may be asked to show ID at Maryland polls. Acceptable forms of identification include:

*A copy of a current and valid photo ID (i.e., Maryland driver's license, MVA-issued ID card, student, employee, or military ID card, U.S. passport, or any other state or federal government-issued ID card); or

* A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address. Current means that the document is dated within 3 months of the election.

Q. What am I allowed to bring into the voting booth with me? What am I not allowed to bring?

In Maryland, the use of cell phones, cameras, pagers and computer equipment is prohibited in the polling place.

Voters are allowed to bring other voting aids they may want, including sample ballots, voters’ guides and other such information.

Q. If I am a person with disabilities and my polling place is not accessible, what do I do?

In Maryland

You can request reassignment to an accessible polling place with your same ballot type or request an absentee ballot. You must make the request for reassignment no later than the close of registration for any election.

In Virginia:

The state is in the process of making all voting precincts accessible, and every location should have at least one machine which is easier to access for people with disabilities.

Curbside voting is available for people with disabilities and those age 65 or older. Also, if you require assistance you can ask an election worker. More information can be found on the Virginia Board of Education website here.

Q. What do I do if something goes wrong with the machine I’m voting at?

Before you have completed the voting process, contact one of the voting place officials and ask them for help. Once the vote has been cast, it can be much more difficult to rectify the problem

Q. Do I have to vote for every office?

You do not have to vote for every office. Electronic machines should have an option to go on to the next office without voting for the current one. It may verify at the end that you wanted to leave some blank, but it should not affect how your ballot is tallied.

Q. Did I have to vote in a primary election to vote in the general election?

No. Voting in a primary is not a prerequisite for voting in the general election.

Sources: www.elections.state.md.us/ and www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Index.html