Inside PBS Blog

Today's the big day. Whether you're looking for help with last-minute research on local races, or need help finding your polling place, read on for a guide to the best online resources available.   We'll also tell you what to do if you run into problems at the polls.

First off, do your homework - it's not too late! While your local paper is a great place to start for information on races beyond the presidential campaigns, you can also find a host of information on local races and ballot initiatives at the Project Vote Smart Web site. For a complete list of newspaper endorsements big and small, check out Editor and Publisher's tally. 

Second, find out where you need to go to vote. The League of Women Voters' Vote 411 site plots out polling places by zip code - just input yours and find yours on the map. If you need a ride to the polls, many cab companies are even offering free rides, so check out what's available in your area. Lines have been long for early voting, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and to check the weather report and dress appropriately.  And to make sure you get to the polls in time, Talking Points Memo created this handy closing times map - just roll over the times to see when the polls close in your state.

And while we all hope everything will run smoothly, if you do see a problem or have any trouble at the polls, call election protection at 1-866-our-vote and report anything out of the ordinary.

Also, bring your camera and share your experience - PBS and YouTube
are taking a look at videos made on Election Day, and will be investigating issues at the polls and sharing the most compelling stories from users on the NewsHour's Election Day broadcast. If you use the mobile blogging service Twitter, you can also ‘tweet' a report with the tag #votereport to submit problems. Other ways to explore what's going on around the country include photo projects, like the Flickr Election 2008 group and the New York Times' polling place project.

Then it's time to wait for the results to roll in. The NPR/NewsHour map will be updated live on PBS.org/vote2008, so check back often as the polls close nationwide. Or, if you're on the go, NewsHour's new mobile site will also keep you up to speed. Happy voting!

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