Some new voters are intimidated with the process because they do not know what to anticipate. Start by helping them understand that they can choose to vote in person or with an absentee ballot. You may not know that in California's November 2006 election, 42% voted by absentee ballot.

Next, help people understand the importance of their Sample Ballot sent to all registered voters by their county elections office:

• it lists everything that will be on their ballot
• it shows where their polling place is
• it has the application for an absentee ballot

If people want to vote in-person, help them become comfortable with the voting equipment they will be using (you can search by county ).

They should also be aware of their rights. For example, they can take someone with them to go vote. If they are on not on the list of voters, at their polling place, they still have the right to cast a “provisional ballot."

More information about voting in person:

• from the League of Women Voters of California
• from the California Secretary of State about Provisional Ballots

More information about voting absentee:

• from the League of Women Voters of California
• from the California Secretary of State