There are several sites online where you can confirm your registration. Facebook has a widget that shows over 7.2 million people have registered to vote. The problem is, voter turn out is low and here at TN, we want to make sure that you are informed about how to register and where to turn to for great resources.
Grownish Star Yara Shahidi started Eighteen x 18 to engage first-time voters and people her age in the democracy process. She even had a “Register people to vote” 18th birthday party. Ellen is registering people to vote if you go see her show. Here she is with Jimmy Fallon helping people get to Voting Avenue!
Confirm you’re Registered
There are several websites where you can register to vote or confirm you are registered. Each has different resources available to you. It doesn’t hurt to take a look at each to find out which has the best information for your. Here are just a few:
When do I have to register by?
Each state has different registration deadlines. In California you have until October 22nd to register. In Georgia, Florida or Texas, it’s October 9th. In New York it’s October 12th. But why wait? Do it today!
Can I register on November 6th?
Again, this varies by state. Vote Save America has state specific guidelines when it comes to same-day registration.
Do I have to go to the voting booth to vote?
No, you can request an absentee ballot. Whether you have residence in another state and won’t be home for the election, or you just don’t want to stand in line, check with your state for deadlines to request an absentee ballot. Some states like Washington send you a ballot automatically as soon as you’re registered. Once you have your absentee ballot just fill it out and mail it back by November 6.
Can I vote before November 6th?
In most cases, this is done by absentee ballot. But in California for example, some counties open up polling places to allow for early voting. This is rare. Don’t count on it.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Again, this varies by state, it shouldn’t, but this is an area of contention. VoteRiders is a site that breaks down all the information about ID needs in each state. Not everyone has an ID, and some voters risk not having the right type of ID needed to vote. Vote Riders helps sort out that confusion. To our readers in a “Strict Voter ID” State, we encourage you to confirm you have the right type of ID for voting and make sure you aren’t turned away from the polling place.
Map of Voter ID laws from www.voteriders.org
You’ve Registered to Vote, Now What?
It’s time to get involved.
From volunteering for a candidate you support in a local race, to helping people get to the polls, there are tons of things you can do to feel involved in your democracy. Don’t let people tell you that one vote doesn’t matter. Races in the last few elections have come down to one vote! Your vote counts and helping others vote counts!
Volunteering
In the next 40 days people will be canvassing (going door to door to talk to their neighbors about issues), phone banking and doing other events. If you want to get involved there are many ways you can find out what’s going on in your area. Sites like Vote Save America, Swing Left and Indivisible have a calendar of events that show what is happening for candidates in your area. Afraid to go door to door? You can send text messages and postcards. You can write letters to the editors, help with data entry. There are so many ways to help volunteer for a campaign in your area or a campaign in need of volunteers.
Local Elections & Ballot Measures
Host a discussion night to explain the ballot measures. Is there a bond measure for your local school district? What will that mean for your taxes? Are there judges or district attorneys on your ballot? Do you know their record? Do you understand why you’re voting for that person? Assign each person a pro or con side to a ballot measure so they can explain to your group what a yes or no vote means. Go to the ballot box informed.
GOTV on Nov 6th
On Election Day if you’re going to the polls, don’t go alone, take a friend! Go in a group. Check with your neighbors, see if they need a ride. Sometimes, the hardest obstacle for someone voting is just getting to the polls. If you can help them by offering a ride, then you’ve helped democracy! If you have the day off and can go to an under-served community and help with rides that helps too!
Vote Riders & Carpool Vote will help get people to the poll and Lyft and Uber may have discounted fares – check your app on election day.
Another area of need are moms who may need child care. Even without kids, polling places will have long lines and if you have kids, waiting in those lines will be less appealing. If you’ve voted early, check in with your mom friends and see if they need help child care. Moms, talk to your other mom friends and arrange a voting house party to allow other moms to drop kids off while they go vote. Why not let the kids in on the fun? Explain to them why you’re doing this and how important voting is. It’s never to early to start a passion for democracy. Snacks, games, and activities can be pooled together and everyone will get an opportunity to vote.
No one should drive by their polling place and feel like they can’t vote due to the length of the line. ALSO! If you’re in line even with the polls close, you can still vote! Don’t let them turn you away!
Thanks to When We All Vote, Vote Save America, Vote Riders and National Voter Registration Day for all of this helpful information! Go Be a Voter!
Let us know in the comments, are you registered to be a voter?
What are you plans to engage with democracy for the Midterm elections?
Cover image source
