This time around, when you go to the polls on Nov. 2, you're going to need to know your rights.

Take into account where you are. Michigan is still very much a swing state, and after Florida's dismal recount performance in 2000, the nation and our state are expecting the worst in yet another tight election. Just in case there's a recount anywhere, each candidate has assembled a team of lawyers to get down to the truth of who actually won.

Blaming polling machines or trying to standardize them won't happen in time for this election. No matter how foolproof a machine, some voters might have trouble adjusting to the paper-trail-free automated machines. The problem with one, uniform voting machine would become apparent if there was a glitch - the entire system would be cause for concern.

Every swing-state voter must take into account the possibility that their state could be this year's Florida. As a voter, the responsibility to make sure your vote gets counted lies more squarely in your hands than most would think. So here are the ground rules; a wonderful document called the Michigan Voters' Bill of Rights:

• If you're still in line to vote, even after the polls officially close at 8 p.m. - stay there. You're still allowed to vote.

• If when you get to the polls your name is not on the list of registered voters, you can still vote using a provisional ballot. As long as you're a registered voter, a provisional ballot allows you to cast a vote for a federal race while your voter status is determined.

• Unless you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, photo identification isn't explicitly necessary - they'll take and verify your signature even without a driver's license.

• If during the last 60 days you moved to a new town, you still have the right to head back to your old polling station to vote.

• If you don't appear on the precinct register, and voting officials can't figure out if you're really eligible to vote, complete a new voter registration application and draft an affidavit with your registration information. This needs to include your identity and residence in the precinct.

• If you're blind, visually impaired or can't read, you can request assistance to vote from election inspectors. Family members or those over 18 can help blind voters cast their ballot.

• If you were convicted of a crime, but have since been released from prison, you can still vote.

• If you mistakenly vote for the wrong candidate or issue, declare your ballot spoiled and ask for a new one.

• If your absentee ballot got lost or destroyed, you can sign an affidavit explaining what happened and get a new one.

• If your eligibility to vote is challenged, and you correctly answer all the questions to prove you're a qualified voter, you can still vote.

• Got kids under 18? You have the right to bring them with you into the polls.

• When you're within 100 feet from the polling place, you can rightfully wait to vote without anyone trying to influence you.

• Once you're in the voting booth, you can take this list with you and always ask for assistance.