by Greg Palast

A lot of advice we're getting from our progressive friends is to take photos of your ballot and silly stuff like that. Well, that's all about how to complain after they steal it. I have a better idea: Win, don't whine.

#1: Gang Vote

Arrive with five! Never go bowling, make love or vote alone. And volunteer at get-out-the-vote operations. It's worth it just for the stale donuts, cold coffee and hot democracy.

#2: Tell Them to Take Their Provisional Ballot and ...

If they try to hand you a "provisional ballot," scream bloody murder. If there's a problem with your ID or registration, demand adjudication from a poll monitor, come back with proper ID, or demand appeal to the county supervisor of elections.But don't just walk away. If it's provisional or nothing, take it -- then return for the count to defend it.

#3: Get to Work

Volunteer to bring out the vote. Or watch a poll -- to challenge the challengers. Get credentials; don't freelance -- you'll likely get thrown out. Either get credentials from the parties or get information on how you can slay vote-eating dragons in your area from the National Campaign for Fair Elections the umbrella group including NAACP, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law and People for the American Way (http://www.NationalCampaignForFairElections.org).

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Greg Palast is the author of the New York Times bestseller, "ARMED MADHOUSE." Go to www.gregpalast.com

Catch Greg Palast on Election Night on the new Mike Malloy Show on NOVA M Radio and some Air America Radio affiliates.

Bonnie Raitt, Larry David and friends invite you to join Jackson Browne, Ed Asner, Ben Vereen and other stars on the November 16, 6-8pm at an intimate gathering in the home of Code Pink's Jodie Evans in Beverly Hills, California, to support the Palast Investigative Fund, a 501c3 educational foundation. For details and to request one or two of the limited number of invitations, go to http://www.palastinvestigativefund.org/november-16th-fundraiser .