Have voting questions? We have answers!

Months of campaign-season hype culminate today when Lake County voters make their choices known in dozens of political contests.

Voters will select winners in political races as local as the North Shore Sanitary District board and as big as the president. They'll also settle 14 referendums for issues involving schools, parks, libraries and other government agencies.

To help you fulfill your Election Day duty, we've compiled answers to 10 common election-related questions, courtesy of the Lake County clerk's office.

So read on -- and then go vote!

Q. Can I see what's on my ballot before I go vote?

A. Sure! If you're a registered voter, you can enter your address on a special electronic form on the Lake County clerk's Web site, www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclk, and you'll be able to view the Democratic, Republican, Moderate and Green ballots.

Q. Do I have to disclose my political party preference?

A. Yes and no. Illinois primary rules require you to request a ballot for a particular party, unlike general elections. But, if you just want to vote on nonpartisan issues, you can get a ballot that contains only referendums.

Q. How do I know where to vote?

A. Once again, go to the county clerk's Web site. If you click on "Where's My Polling Place" and enter your address, the site will tell you where to go. The information is also on your voter registration card.

Q. When can I vote?

A. All polling places open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Q. What if I get to the polling place and am told I'm not registered?

A. You can use a provisional ballot and then have 48 hours to provide documents supporting your claim of registration to the county clerk's office.

Q. I'm disabled. Can I vote?

A. Absolutely! A machine called the ES&S AutoMARK voting system will be available at all polling places in Lake County to serve voters who are blind, have limited vision or limited dexterity that prevents them from marking a ballot without assistance. Learn more about the machine by watching a video on the clerk's Web site. Curbside voting is available for people who are physically unable to enter polling places, too.

Q. How can I monitor Lake County's voting results tonight?

A. Look no further than the Daily Herald's Web site, www.dailyherald.com. The Lake County clerk's Web site will have results, too, as will the Web sites of other county clerks.

Q. I want to talk to my spouse when I vote so I don't mess up. Can I make a cellular telephone call inside a polling place?

A. No. Using a cellular telephone in a polling place may constitute electioneering.

Q. Who do I contact if there are problems or irregularities at a polling place?

A. The county clerk's voting section is the place to call, at (847) 377-2410.

Q. I didn't register for this election but want to vote in November. When can I register?

A. Voter registration re-opens Thursday.