Today's the day! Get out and vote

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

Voters will weigh in on questions as local as a park district referendum in Barrington and as big as the president of the nation. They'll also select one from among five hopefuls to represent Democrats in the November race to determine a new county state's attorney.

To help you fulfill your Election Day duty, we've compiled answers to 10 common election-related questions, courtesy of the Cook County Clerk's office. So read on -- and then go vote!

Q. How do I know where to vote?

A. Go to the county clerk's election Web site at www.voterinfonet.com. If you enter your address, the site will give you the location of your polling place. The information is also on your voter registration card.

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

A. Sure! After entering your address, not only will the web site tell you where your polling place is, but it will also allow you to view the Democratic, Republican and Green Party ballots.

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

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

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. If you believe you did register, you can use a provisional ballot. However, election authorities will then investigate. If they confirm you were, in fact, registered, your vote will be counted. If they cannot confirm it, your vote will not be counted, but they will use the provisional ballot to automatically register you for the general election.

Q. I'm disabled. Can I vote?

A. Absolutely. Assistance is available at the polling places, or, if you are visually impaired, you can vote on your own using a headset adapter that guides you through the voting process.

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

A. Look no further than the Daily Herald's Web site, www.dailyherald.com. The Cook 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 is not permitted. You can, however, bring in any sort of list to help you vote, as long as you don't try to present it to other voters.

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 (312) 603-0236. Or you can call the state's attorney's office at (866) 536-3496.

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

A. Voter registration re-opens Thursday.