PITTSBURGH -- A record turnout is expected at the polls on Election Day. But increased voter passion could lead to Election Day problems.

Avoid Election Day Problems

Election workers have put in some long hours, getting voting machines ready. With so many people interested in this election, a 75 percent turnout of registered voters in our area is expected on Tuesday.

Electronic voting machines no doubt face a workout with long lines expected. But there is a way around longer wait times to cast your ballot.

"If you can, avoid the peak hours. Avoid 7 to 9 a.m., avoid 5 p.m. to close. If you can vote between 9 and 5 tomorrow, you should see less in terms of lines," said Allegheny County Solicitor Michael Wojcik.

A federal court ruled that if 50 percent of a polling location's electronic voting machines go out of service, officials must also use emergency paper ballots.

"There is plenty of paper in the field, in case something happens with any machines," said Wojcik.

In Allegheny County, officials have enough emergency paper ballots ready to cover 40 percent of registered voters.

If you have last-minute questions on where to vote, or what you need to bring, the state's election Web site pavotes.com can customize your answer. Enter in your personal info and it gives you maps and advice.

When you go to vote, be sure to bring your driver's license or other official photo identification with your home address. Utility bills, paychecks, or bank statements can be used as substitute ID.

Also, insist on a provisional ballot to vote if there's any question about your eligibility.

A judge has ruled voters may not use a camera inside Allegheny County polling places, but they can use them outside.

"If they're outside the polling place, that is, the polling place being the room where the balloting is taking place, plus a 10-foot buffer zone around the entrance. If you're outside that area, you can shoot whatever you can see," said Tom McGough, an attorney for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

For more information visit ThePittsburghChannel.com's politics page by clicking here.

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