It is almost here

It is like the countdown to Christmas or your birthday - the day to vote is around the corner, just a short 5 days away.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you will have a hassle free election day:

1. Verify your registration. Before going to the polls, confirm your voter registration.

2. Confirm your polling location. Even if you've voted in the same place for 30 years, polling places can change, so make sure you know where to go on Election Day.

3. Vote early. Record turnout is expected this year, so if your state offers early voting (before Election Day), take advantage of it to avoid long lines and alleviate the strain on local election officials.

4. Remember your ID. Every state identification law is different and many have changed recently, so make sure you know which forms of ID are accepted in your state before you get to the polls.

5. Don't give anyone an excuse to keep you out of the polls. In some states, wearing campaign paraphernalia into a polling place - shirts, a buttons, etc.- is against the law. Cover up your campaign materials to ensure a smooth voting experience.

6. Report all voting problems to Election Protection at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or the Our Vote web site.

7. Do not be intimidated by false rumors. Eligible registered voters cannot be denied the right to vote because their homes have been foreclosed upon, they are late on child support payments, they have outstanding parking tickets, or they are students at local universities.

8. If you have been convicted of a felony, know your rights. Many states allow people who have been convicted of a felony and completed their sentence to vote. Know your state laws and don't be intimidated by misinformation.

9. Avoid the crowds. Voting lines are shortest in the mid-morning or early afternoon.

10. Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Help elderly voters, disabled Americans, and people without transport get to the polls - no one should be left behind on Election Day!