Pocono News Section

Voting? Know the Rules!

Voting? Know the Rules! - Monday, November 3, 2008 at 4:31PM EST

Voting? Know the Rules! Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Nov 3, 2008 @ 04:31pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - First time voter numbers surged this election season.

Tony Cuccia registered to vote two years ago but tomorrow will be the first time he actually steps into a voting booth.

"This is pretty big. This is the Presidency here," said Cuccia.

He's not alone. Monroe County expects about 5,000 first time voters to cast ballots Tuesday.

Cuccia said, "I think it's like our duty to like play a role as Americans and to choose the next President."

Many first time voters believe they can make a difference. Jess D'Ajostino is one of them. She said "Everything kinda lies in our hands in a way 'cause we're all new."

New voters and election veterans kept the Monroe County Voter Registration Office busy Monday.

"The phone today has been ringing off the hook already," said Director of Elections Sara May-Silfee.

She and the rest of the staff reminded voters about polling place rules.

If this is your first time heading to the polls, you need to have ID - they prefer to see a drivers license. But if you don't have one that's all right. Poll workers will accept your most recent utility bill.

And whether this is your first vote or your 100th, you need to watch what you wear.

May-Silfee explained, "No T-shirts, no buttons, no pins."

You cannot show support for any candidate withing ten feet of the polling place door in Monroe County. Nikki Dadaria dislikes the rule but says she'll cover up with a coat before she walks inside. She explained "I'll do it because it's more important that everyone stays in line and votes than it is that I make a stand about it."

With all the new voters, and the regular voters lines may be long but for many it's worth it to make a difference.

To learn about voting rules or find out where to vote in Monroe County visit .