You only need to vote one time each day so that is enough, and there is most activity around deadline. So if you have time to check the thread and read up on the activity around deadline, then that's more than enough. And of course, for most members there are days where we only have time to squeeze in a vote.
There are a few other noobs in the game as well (Nzoric, DelPiero84), and most of us have only played once or twice before, so you shouldn't be too worried. Only a few here are very experienced. Just ask if you have any questions regarding the rules.