What happens if I’m in line but haven’t voted by the time the polls close?

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AUGUSTA, GA (WJBF) — Election Day is Tuesday and the expected record turnout at the polls means you may be wondering what will happen if you’re still waiting in line until the polls close. Can you still vote or will you be rejected?

The good news is that there are laws that allow you to vote after the polls close, as long as you wait in line and have been waiting since before the polls closed.

This is one of your basic rights, according to American Civil Liberties Unionwhich also advises:

• If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
• If the machines are turned off at your polling station, ask for a paper ballot.

Voter intimidation is a felony in all states. You are protected by federal voter intimidation laws to vote privately, without intimidation or pressure.

If you encounter problems at the polling station, we advise you to report them.

Report any problems during voting and at your polling place to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) or by calling the US Department of Justice’s voting rights hotline at 1-800-253-3931.