Election Reminders

By doing a little homework and remembering what you need to bring with you, voting Tuesday could be an easy process for everyone. 

In the Minnehaha County Auditor's office, Sue Roust and her crew are busy preparing for the election. As they make their final checks on the counting machines, they hope voters are getting ready as well. Roust says one way to save some time at the polls is to bring a photo ID. 

Minnehaha County Auditor Sue Roust says, “If they don't have an ID with them however, they still will get to vote. They'll be asked to sign an affidavit swearing they are who they say they are.” 

She also suggests voters bring a filled out sample ballot when they come to vote, as it can save them time and trouble. 

Roust says “Sometimes when people get into the voting booth and start thinking is it a yes or a no, they might get a little bit confused. So they'll be sure they voted the way they intended.” 

But election officials do ask that you keep your sample ballot to yourself. 

“You can bring it with you. You can't discuss it with anybody else or show it to anyone else. And please remember to take it with you when you leave,” says Roust. 

And with a high turnout expected, lines are possible. Roust says historically, the longest lines have formed when the polls open in the morning, and when people get of work in the evening. But she says they shouldn't keep anyone from casting their vote. 

Roust says, “If they are waiting to vote at 7:00 PM, the will be allowed to vote, even though the polls have officially closed.” 

Roust stresses that no one will be turned away from the polls for not having an ID. However, to keep the lines moving as fast as possible, she encourages everyone to have one ready when they arrive to vote.