What you need to know to vote in Va., Md. and D.C.

Thomas Warren, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Polling stations across Maryland, Virginia and D.C. will be packed with voters on Election Day.

To find out where your polling location is, click here, enter your address and Google will tell you where to vote.

Here’s what voters need to know to vote in each jurisdiction:

Virginia

Polls in the Commonwealth are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. As long as voters are in line before 7 p.m., they will be allowed to vote, says the State Board of Elections.

A new state law requires registered voters to show identification in order to vote.

A number of options are acceptable:

  • Virginia voter registration card;
  • Valid Virginia driver’s license;
  • Any federal, Virginia state or local government-issued ID, including military ID, with a photo or name and address;
  • Employer issued photo ID card.

If a person’s registration status cannot be verified at the polling station the day of the election, the voter can cast a provisional ballot, according to Virginia state law.

One minor, 15-years-old or younger, can accompany a voter in the booth, according to the State Board of Elections’ voter guide.

Click here for a full Virginia voting guide.

Maryland

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Showing identification is not required, but may be requested by an election judge. In that case, a voter can provide any one of the following:

  • 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);
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the voter’s name and address. Current means that the document is dated within 3 months of the election.

If someone needs proof he voted to satisfy his employer, an election judge can provide a Certificate of Participation.

Two children under age 18 are allowed to accompany a voter inside the booth, according to Maryland law.

Click here for a full Maryland voting guide

District of Columbia

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Identification is not required for most voters.

D.C allows citizens to register to vote on Election Day. Proof of residence is required to submit an application.

Anyone who recently registered to vote by mail may be required to show ID at his polling center, if his identity is not able to be verified.

If someone doesn’t have identification on them, he can cast a special ballot. For the ballot to count, the person has 10 days after the election to present one.

Click here for a full D.C. voting guide.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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