As we rapidly approach Election Day, are you registered to vote? If so, do you know where you’re going to vote? And what can you do if you’ll be out of town?
We’ll answer all those questions with the following five tips on being prepared for Election Day.
1. Make sure you’re registered to vote.
In most states, it’s required that you’re registered to vote before you can cast your ballot. These requirements include being a U.S. citizen, being at least 18 years of age and meeting your state’s residency requirements. If eligible, you can register to vote either online, by mail, or by visiting your local or state voter registration office and/or election offices. You can also register at your nearest department of motor vehicles.
If you’ve already registered to vote but have recently moved, you can update your information by filling out the National Mail Voter Registration Form. If you change your address online, the U.S. Postal Service will ask if you want to update your voter information and will provide a link for you to do so.
You can also update your information by visiting:
-State or local election offices
-The Department of Motor Vehicles
-Public assistance agencies
-State-funded programs that serve people with disabilities
-Any public facility a state has designated as a voter registration agency (such as a public library, public school, and city or county clerk’s office)
If you have any more questions, USA.gov is an excellent resource for answers.
2. Find your local voting location.
If you’re unsure where to vote, there are several different ways to find your exact polling location. Your first stop should be visiting your state’s elections website. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has an interactive map where you can click on your state to access voting information, such as the state’s official election website. These state sites will provide polling locations.
You can also find out where you can vote through:
-The Can I Vote? website. This site lets you check if you’re registered to vote and allows you to find your polling location
-The Voting App provides candidate information and can find the polling location that corresponds to your address. This app is available for Android and iOS devices.
–Rock the Vote has a website, along with an app, that provides election coverage and important information like how to register and where to vote. It’s geared more towards a younger generation, but it’s a helpful resource for people of all ages.
-Simply search for “polling places” using Google Maps and you’ll be given driving directions to the nearest location where you can vote.
3. Review voting materials.
In the months leading up to an election, most towns and townships mail out information and example ballots. Instead of throwing this information away, give it a quick look over, because it includes information like where to vote, the candidates and specific ballot questions.
4. Know your rights.
There have been several states that have made it more difficult for citizens, especially seniors, minorities and people with disabilities, to vote. That’s why it’s important to know your voting rights and be prepared so your voice can be heard on Election Day.
The best way to do this is to make sure you’re registered to vote, have proper identification and coordinate transportation. For example, if you have a vehicle, then maybe you could carpool with elderly neighbors or family members who can no longer drive. If you have to take public transportation, map out your route in advance to make sure you can vote before the polling location closes.
5. Obtain an absentee ballot if necessary.
If you physically cannot make it to a polling location, you can still cast your vote through an absentee ballot.
Registered voters can obtain an absentee ballot if they are:
-60 years old or older.
-Unable to vote without assistance.
-Going to be out of town on Election Day, such as for work or school.
-Temporarily living outside the country.
-Commuting or working between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day.
-A first responder or serving in the military.
-In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
-Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons.
-Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.
Each state has different requirements, so make sure you review them to see if you’re eligible. I recommend revisiting your state’s elections website to find this info and figure out how to obtain an absentee ballot.
You can also simply search for “absentee voting” on Google and you’ll be given all of your state’s information regarding this topic at the top of the page.
[tweetthis]Are you prepared for the #election? Check these tips before you #vote for the next #POTUS![/tweetthis]
Now that you’re prepared for Election Day, don’t forget to get out there and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8.