Participation in the General Election on Tuesday, November 6, is projected to be at least as high as in 2008, which was a modern record for Somerville.

Because this year’s ballot lists seven ballot questions as well as the usual elected offices, the city anticipates long lines, and will work to keep voting as quick and easy as possible.

There are several valuable ways that voters can help:

Volunteer on Election Day: the city’s Election Department is seeking volunteers to assist the voting public by providing official information and directions (as “greeters”) and performing routine Election Day tasks under the supervision of Election Department personnel . Volunteers must be registered voters, must remain impartial in the performance of the duties (they may not advocate for any candidate or ballot question) and should be willing to provide four hours or more of service on Election Day (although two to three hours will be considered). No experience is required, non-English language skills – especially in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole – would be welcome, but are not required. For additional information, please call or email Maria C. Pierotti, Deputy Election Commissioner, 617-625-6600 ext 4204, email: mpierotti@somervillema.gov

Study the ballot questions and candidate choices before you come to the polls: you can find detailed information about the ballot here:  http://www.somervillema.gov/departments/elections

Vote off-peak if you can: the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6. The busiest times will be before and after the regular work day (i.e, before 9 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.) If you can vote mid-morning or mid-afternoon, you may be able to help speed up the process for yourself and everybody else.

Finally, as a reminder, here are the polling locations citywide:

Ward One

Precinct 1. A room in the Capuano School, 150 Glen Street.

Precinct 2. A room in the East Somerville Branch Library, 115 Broadway.

Precinct 3. A room in the Reilly-Brickley Fire Station, 266 Broadway.

Ward Two

Precinct 1. A room in the Police Department, 220 Washington Street.

Precinct 2. A room in the Albert F Argenziano School at Lincoln Park, 290 Washington Street.

Precinct 3. A room in the Lowell Street Fire Station, 651 Somerville Avenue.

Ward Three

Precinct 1. The atrium, at Somerville High School, on Highland Avenue.

Precinct 2. A room in the Cummings School, Prescott Street side.

Precinct 3. A room in the Dante Club, on Craigie Street.

Ward Four

Precinct 1. A room in the Mystic Activity Center, 530 Mystic Avenue.

Precinct 2. A room in the Reilly-Brickley Fire Station, 266 Broadway.

Precinct 3. A room in the Winter Hill Community School, on Sycamore Street.

Ward Five

Precinct 1. A room in the DPW Water Department Building, 17 Franey Road.    

Precinct 2. A room in the Brown School, Kidder Avenue side.

Precinct 3. A room in the Engine 7 Fire Station, 265 Highland Avenue.

Ward Six

Precinct 1. A room in the John F Kennedy School, Sartwell Avenue Entrance.

Precinct 2. A room in the Ciampa Manor, 27 College Avenue.

Precinct 3. A room in the Holy Bible Baptist Church, on Chapel Street.

Ward Seven

Precinct 1. A room in the Senior Center, 167 Holland Street.

Precinct 2. Engine 6 Teele Square Fire Station, 6 Newbury Street.

Precinct 3. The VNA Assisted Living Facility, 405 Alewife Brook Parkway.

brochure with the official language of the four local ballot questions.