With high turnout expected Tuesday, Gov. David Paterson sent a letter reminding all boards of election in the state that voters who are in line at the time the polls close must be allowed to vote, he said in a statement today. He asked boards of elections to make sure they have enough staff on hand and plenty of affidavit ballots for people who are not on the voting rolls.

   The governor urged people not to be discouraged from voting because of long lines at the polls, which are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

   Nearly one million new voters have been registered since the last presidential election. All told, there are 11.9 million voters in the state. Newly registered voters should bring proper identification to the polling sites, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. ID is not required for other voters. 

   Beside casting a ballot for president and vice president, voters will make choices for Congress, state Assembly and state Senate, and Supreme Court justice in many districts. There is a ballot question.

    The governor said voters should be aware of their rights.

  —You have a right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter. You have the right to cast an affidavit ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.

  —Newly registered voters who do not bring proper ID have a right to vote using affidavit ballots.

  —You have a right to vote if you are in present and in line at the polling place before 9 p.m.

  —You have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation.

  —You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot if you are unable to vote without assistance.

  —You have a right to election materials in another language if there are enough residents in your neighborhood to warrant production of such materials.

  —Before entering the voting booth, you have a right to ask questions about election procedures and observe the election process. You do not have a right to disrupt the process.

  —You have a right to report any illegal activity to the board of elections.

   Voters can check their registration status a www.elections.state.ny.us and learn about voting machines and other election information at www.VOTE-NY.com.