Just about everyone with a platform, soapbox, e-mail account or paper and pen has made his or her opinion about the 2004 election known, including the Sun Journal. Now, it’s your turn.

Politicians and their supporters at every level – from those running for town council to the men running for president – have weighed in, taken a position and worked hard to appeal to the people who will cast their ballots today.

Ultimately, the choice rests with individuals carrying out their responsibilities.

In 2000, there were problems that left the results in doubt for weeks, and it eventually took a decision by the Supreme Court to install George W. Bush as president. While Al Gore won the popular vote by more than half a million votes, it is the Electoral College that decides who will be president. The turmoil of 2000 still lingers. The best way to overcome it is for a smooth election.

There will be mistakes made today. It’s inevitable in any human endeavor. But understanding the rules of voting can cut down on problems.

So here goes:

There is no single opening time for polls in Maine. Depending on the size of the town, polls open between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. All polls close at 8 p.m., but if people are in line before 8 p.m., they get to vote. The Sun Journal is running the hours and poll locations in each of our four editions.

Voters should check on their polling place before making the trip. Redistricting since the last presidential election has changed some locations.

If you haven’t registered to vote, there’s still time. Maine allows same-day registration and voting.

Maine law does not require voters to present identification when voting. But it’s a good idea to bring it anyway. A driver’s license or voter registration card is great, but even a bill from the electric company works. It’s OK to vote without an ID, but that ballot could be challenged. As long as the person is eligible to vote, a challenged ballot will still be counted.

Poll workers are there to help, but it can be intimidating to ask for assistance. Voters are allowed to ask questions, and to get help if they don’t understand how to mark their ballot. If you make a mistake, you can get a new ballot from an election worker.

Voting matters. While the numbers of voters in the presidential race are counted in the millions (although Bush’s margin of victory in Florida last time was just more than 500 votes), many local and state races can be decided by just a handful of people. It matters who is elected to the city council, as county commissioner and to the state Legislature. A single vote can carry the day.

Voters have endured a long election season, with an unprecedented amount of campaign activity and spending that could top $4 billion. E-mail boxes are full, letters have been flying, the phone seems to be ringing off the hook with recorded calls from this politician or that celebrity.

Today, hopefully, it ends with a choice. Your choice. Go vote.