With a four-page ballot expected in 2024, voters should anticipate long lines and take proactive steps to ensure a smooth voting experience. Here are key recommendations:

Sign up for absentee voting: To avoid Election Day crowds, enroll in the absentee voting list before Oct. 25. This allows you to receive your ballot by mail, fill it out at your convenience, and drop it off at a polling location promptly. You can register at Maricopa County Elections, https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/active-early-voting-list.html.

If you prefer to vote early, visit a polling location where you can ask for a ballot on demand, fill it out, put it in the white envelope and either place the white envelope in the ballot box or use the ICX machine to cast your vote.

If you prefer to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5, it’s essential to arrive early at your polling place to minimize wait times, especially with the lengthy ballot. Keep your filled out, dated and signed mail-in ballot in its green envelope handy. You can drop that ballot in to the ballot box until 7 p.m.

Before checking in, verify that the voting machines are operational. Once you check in, be aware that you must vote the ballot provided to you unless you check out of the site book.

When using the tabulator, be sure to check the counter before inserting your ballot. If the counter doesn’t increase by one after you insert your ballot, call the voter hotline at (602) 898-VOTE for assistance.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your voice is heard.

Editor’s note: Do you have an opinion on this issue? We’d like to hear from you. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.