Preparing to Vote

Today is Election Day in California, with several statewide races and ballot initiatives. Here are some facts and figures to remember about going to the polls:

* Polling places: Your sample ballot should tell you where to vote. If you need to find out where your polling place is located, or have other voting questions, call the county registrar at one of the numbers listed here. One of the easiest ways

to find out where your polling place is is to ask a neighbor. Polling places are marked with flags.

* Voter information numbers: Although registrars will have additional phone lines set up for Election Day, numbers are frequently busy, so be patient and leave yourself plenty of time.

* Los Angeles: (310) 462-2748 or (800) 830-1000 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today only

* Orange: (714) 567-7600

* San Diego: (619) 694-3400

* Ventura: (805) 654-2781

* Riverside: (909) 275-8700

* San Bernardino: (909) 387-8300

The secretary of state has a 24-hour voter information hot line, (800) 345-VOTE. The Los Angeles County registrar’s 24-hour voter line is (800) 481-VOTE.

* Hours of voting; Statewide hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

* Violations: Report violations to the county registrar or the secretary of state’s office. Examples of violations include voting twice, voting as someone else, soliciting or purchasing votes near polling areas, or offering anything of value for voting, such as giveaways and contests based on voted ballot stubs.

* The next election: For future elections, voter registration forms are generally available at post offices, libraries, fire stations, DMV offices, city halls and county offices. Deadline to register for the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 11. You should re-register if you move, change your name or want to change your party affiliation.