Dear Cr-Abby from California Poll Worker

VOTERS URGED TO DO HOMEWORK BEFORE THEY GO TO THE POLLS

DEAR CR-ABBY:

I have been a poll worker for years. I would appreciate it if you would print this important advice to voters: Before Election Day, voters should check the sample ballot they receive in the mail for their precinct number and the location of their polling place. Polling places can change for a variety of reasons.

Often several voting precincts are housed in one location. If a person goes to the wrong location -- perhaps because they have voted there before -- it can take considerable time and effort to direct the person correctly. Nearly all these problems would be avoided if people read the information on the sample ballot and brought it with them on Election Day.

Also, the voting booth is not the place to review and make decisions about the candidates and issues. This should be done in advance (another reason for the sample ballot). The booth is for one purpose: to mark your ballot. It is inconsiderate to occupy the space for an extended period of time, especially near closing time.

Poll workers have an extremely long day, arriving an hour before polls open, and often working for hours more after the polls close. A prepared voter makes a great contribution to making the election process a positive one for all concerned. -- CALIFORNIA POLL WORKER

Dear California POLE Worker,

Didn't I meet you at a gentleman's club last year,...are you Bambi Starr? Can I have my wallet back?

I'm joking, I know you said POLL not POLE!

Hey,speaking of wallets... this year the usual research is not necessary (aside from the polling place location info you mention above). You don't have to go to the women's league of voters, you don't have to watch the debates, you don't even need to pick up a newspaper. In essence, this election was especially made for Californians (who usually spend more time on their Horse track Racing Form before betting $2 on Charging Stallion than they do researching the ballot initiatives and candidates before an election.

Simply ask yourself, are you better off today than you were 8 years ago, or 8 days ago or 8 minutes ago?

If not vote for the NON INCUMBENT.

In the unusual case of two non-incumbents running, pick the one with the least amount of time in Washington or Sacramento.

Yep, Cr-Abby's voting for Obama...32 years I have been a Republican and have never voted for a Democratic Presidential Candidate, but it's finally happened. GWB, Mission Accomplished. John McCain, sorry you got hosed in 2000 by GWB in South Carolina and now once again by him in 2008. I was on the bubble but your Palin pick (who would be a decent Pole Worker but is not ready for prime time) and the Bail Out package (that you rushed from your campaign to vote for even after the 150 billion in pork was added) was enough for me to close my eyes, hold my nose and darken the bubble for the other guy.

I'm not sure I can buy this Maverick/Reformer thing. After all since you have been in Congress 28 years you are either ineffective or in genuine as a reformer.

Cr-Abby