Election 2012: What You Need to Know in Silver Spring and Burtonsville

It's time! After months of contentious political debates, annoying and frequent ads and numerous rallies for ballot referendums that could change the social climate of Maryland, it's finally time to vote.

The big day is, of course, Tuesday, Nov. 6 and polls will open at 7 a.m. Closing time is 8 p.m. Here's what you need to know:

1. To find out where your polling place is, head to the Montgomery County Board of Elections website and find the "Polling Place Information" section to search by address or date of birth and zip code. 

2. There are seven statewide questions on the ballot, including measures that would legalize same-sex marriage, uphold the Maryland Dream Act and expand gambling in Maryland. There are three county-specific measures. Here's some of what we've written on Patch:

Question 4: A yes vote on Question 4 would allow undocumented students who qualify to pay in-state tuition.

• Dream Act Supporters Rally for Final Push
• Study: Dream Act Would Be Net Gain for Maryland
• Unlikely Allies: Dream Act and Same-Sex Marriage Advocates Join Forces  

Question 6: A yes vote on Question 6 would allow same-sex marriages in Maryland starting in 2013.

• VIDEO: Silver Spring Moms Vote for Gay Marriage
• Councilmember Navarro's Personal Connection to Same-Sex Marriage Law 
• Unlikely Allies: Dream Act and Same-Sex Marriage Advocates Join Forces

Question 7: A yes vote for Question 7 would allow a sixth casino and live table games. The location of the sixth casino depends on the outcome among voters in Prince George’s County.

• Even more about Question 7: A primer (For more information about ballot measures, read Patch's Maryland and Montgomery County Election Guide.)

3. Check in with Silver Spring and Colesville Patch for all-day coverage of the 2012 Election.

• Twitter: @SilvSpringPatch and @ColesvillePatch for updates
• Facebook.com/SilverSpringPatch and Facebook.com/ColesvillePatch
• Instagram: PatchSilverSpring
• Stalk us at the polls! We'll be visiting a few polling places throughout the day to see what you think about the voting process and local races.

4. Let us know what you think by weighing in our election day live blog and open thread, which will go live at 6 a.m. Tuesday. 

Tell us: Where are you planning to vote in Silver Spring or Burtonsville?