Are the two electrical lead wires that connect to electrical stove top elements positive & negative or does it not matter?

Nope polarity is not a issue What is though Is the type of wire thats used For example RADIX wire is good until 200 degrees celsius.Maybe on the old wire the type and gauge is still readable on the wire if so copy it down But if you just buy a kit for your cook top then I'm almost sure it will have the correct wire in the kit But regular home style wiring will not be a good idea Just use the correct insulation on the wire Thats the most important thing There is no pos or neg when it comes to the wires that connect to the element

Not positive and negative, but make sure you use high temperature wire for the elements themselves. It is different than regular wire. The insulation can take the heat of the elements without melting off the wire.

http://www.amazon.com/High-temperature-wire-AWG-ro...

Also IF (I say IF) you are using crimp connectors, you have to use "non-insulated" connectors. (the insulation would otherwise melt on stove element connections)

example: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071NC78C/ref=pd...