Need To Know: Voting in Tuesday's General Election In Birmingham

The Nov. 6 election is upon us, and Birmingham is heading to the polls Tuesday to vote for the nation's president, local school board members and everything in between.

So what do you need to know before going to the polls on Tuesday? We'll break it down for you:

• The polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Voters must be registered with the city at least 30 days prior to the election. They must also be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and a resident of Birmingham for at least 30 days.
• Birmingham is divided into nine polling precincts. Make sure you know where to vote by checking the city's map or checking your voter ID card.
• Remember: state law requires those campaigning stay 100 feet away from poling places. This includes talking about the ballot proposal inside the polling places.
• Federal and state laws require every city to provide accessible registration and voting locations for voters who are disabled. If you require voting assistance, ask the election workers for help and two inspectors will assist you.
• Still need to turn in your absentee ballot? The City Clerk's office will be accepting absentee ballots until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
• Have a political sign in your yard? City ordinance requires they be removed within three days after the election.

Still undecided, especially on the local or statewide issues? No problem. Catch up on the issues and all the candidates on the ballot by visiting Birmingham's 2012 General Election Guide.

Can't wait for results? Make sure you stick with Birmingham Patch all day Tuesday as report live from various polling stations around town, and then bring you results from all races as they come in. If you hear of anything happening around town, make sure you email Editor Laura Houser at Laura.Houser@patch.com.