Voting questions? We have answers

Months of campaign-season hype culminate today when Fox Valley voters make their choices known in all manner of political contests.

Voters will select winners in political races as local as county board districts and as national as the president.

To help you fulfill your Election Day duty, we've compiled answers to 10 common election-related questions, courtesy of the Kane, McHenry and Cook county clerk's offices.

So read on -- and then go vote!

Q. How can I find out where to vote and get an early look at my ballot?

A. If you live in Kane County, log on to www.kanecountyelections.com. There, you can plug in your address and get a sample ballot that shows all the races you can vote for. It also will tell you where to vote and give you a walk-through in using the eSlate balloting system, in case you're a new voter or are getting back into the swing and need a refresher.

If you're in Cook County, go to www.voterinfonet.com, plug in your address and find out where to vote and for which offices.

If you live in McHenry County, go to www.co.mchenry.il.us, plug in your address and find the location (even a map) of your polling place as well as a sample ballot for whichever party you choose.

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 with general elections. But, if you only want to vote 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. 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! Polling places have at least one handicapped-accessible voting booth and provide assistance for those with hearing, vision or mobility problems. You have the right to invite a friend or an election judge from each party to assist you.

Q. How can I monitor voting results tonight?

A. Look no further than the Daily Herald's Web site, www.dailyherald.com. The various counties have their own Web sites as well.

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. In Cook County: (312) 603-0906.

In Kane County: (630) 232-5990 for garden-variety problems. For irregularities, call the state's attorney at (630) 208-5328.

In McHenry County: (815) 334-4242.

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

A. Voter registration re-opens Thursday.