Santa Ana, CA October 31, 2008 – With strong interest in the Presidential Election the Orange County Registrar of Voters is encouraging voters to read their sample ballot and mark it prior to going to the polls on Election Day.  If you have your marked sample ballot with you in the voting booth you will spend less time casting your ballot.

“Our office has conducted time studies on voting using the November 2008 ballot”, said Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters. “We have determined that due to the length of the ballot wait times, with 100 voters in line, can vary from 25 minutes to 45 minutes.  Of course wait times can grow during peak voting periods”, he continued.

Voters should understand that due to limited parking at some locations and turnout possibly at record levels, being prepared prior to going to the poll site is critical.  We appreciate voters' patience and those who arrive at the poll site prior to 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.  

Voters who have requested a vote-by-mail ballot are encouraged to return their voted ballot to their poll site or to our office in Santa Ana.  Postmarks do not count and those ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day will not be counted.

For additional information on lines and being prepared visit:

www.ocvote.com/lines

Our office is located at:

1300 South Grand Avenue, Building C, Santa Ana, CA