In many states, elections will begin in only a couple of weeks – Alabama was the primary state to start sending mail-in ballots on September 11, 2024. It is considered one of the 10 states that send voters mail-in ballots greater than 45 days before Election Day.
Because rules and procedures vary from state to state, it's vital to learn in regards to the requirements and options for voting where you reside.
Perhaps the most important problem with American democracy is that so few people actually participate: In 2016 40% of eligible American voters didn’t vote. In 2020 34% of people that could have voted just didn't do it.
Check your registration
Make sure you might be registered to vote at your current address. You may not have voted shortly, you might have moved or modified your name, or you might have forgotten whether you were properly registered in your last election. Your State Secretary within the State Office or local election authorities are a superb place to start out. You may visit www.vote.org. I used to be capable of confirm my very own registration and voter ID number online in only a couple of minutes.
If that you must change your name or address, it’s essential to generally submit a brand new voter registration application.
Not registered yet? Register to vote now
At the time of writing this text, there are still time to registerin every state. September is National Voter Registration Month.
You can now register to vote at Vote.gov or various other web sites, and you’ll be able to encourage your folks to do the identical.
The registration process doesn’t take long. Rock the electiona non-partisan non-profit organization that works to encourage young adults to vote, says there must be a a median of two minutes or less to finish the method. Depending in your state, it’s possible you’ll need your driver's license or state identification.
Make a plan to vote
After you may have confirmed your registration or registered for the primary time, it will be significant to search out out the right way to actually solid your vote.
Be sure to search out out about your local polling station and its opening hours on election day.
Want to vote before Election Day? Many communities can help you go to a county clerk's office or other location and fill out a ballot identical to you’ll on Election Day. This permits you to vote in person at any time when you wish. However, the placement for early in-person voting could also be different out of your regular polling place.
Or possibly you ought to vote by mail.
Postal voting
Postal voting is secure and reliable, each when it comes to Protecting the integrity of your voice and protect you from the spread of disease. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 46% of US votes were solid by mail.
There are two sorts of mail-in voting systems: general mail-in voting and absentee voting. Some states, reminiscent of Vermont and Oregon, mail ballots to all registered voters. Other states, reminiscent of Minnesota and New Mexico, require you to submit a proper request before voting. Some of those states, reminiscent of South Carolina and New Hampshire, require you to offer a reason for wanting to vote by mail—for instance, that you just might be out of town on Election Day or that that you must avoid large social gatherings for health reasons.
Check your state’s regulations and request your mail-in ballot if crucial. It’s also price checking whether your state requires you to Pay postage to send your ballot – in most states, that is the case. You can discover in regards to the costs and buy stamps prematurely so you are ready.
Your State Secretary within the Office Your local election board has an internet site with vital information, including:
- Upcoming election dates and deadlines
- Requirements for eligibility to vote
- Voter identification requirements
- Opportunities to acquire advance details about candidates and election issues
- Tools to examine should you are registered to vote and track your absentee ballot
Set reminders to vote
People set reminders for all types of vital tasks: paying bills, keeping doctor and dentist appointments, and sending birthday greetings to family and friends. So put voting in your calendar. Set reminders to request a mail-in ballot, return it, vote early, or vote on Election Day.
Tell family and friends that you’re going to vote
I can't say it enough: share your knowledge about registering and voting. Every vote you solid is a vital contribution to the long run of your community, your state, and the nation as a complete.
There are some ways you’ll be able to tell people. For example, you’ll be able to share your voting intention on social media. Or you’ll be able to text or email your loved ones and friends. Or you’ll be able to tell 10 people to vote and ask them to call 10 more people. All of those will make a difference. This is your democracy. Do your part to preserve and strengthen it.
Don't be intimidated
If you make your plan and follow the principles, you’ll be able to solid your vote and be confident that your vote counts.
You may hear or see people questioning the eligibility of voters or making allegations of “widespread” voter fraud and “rigged” elections. Over many years, research and audits have shown that Irregularities in elections are rare and never large enough to influence the end result of the races.
You have the suitable to vote. Exercise this right proudly and make your voice heard.
This article incorporates material previously contained in an article published on August 18, 2020.
image credit : theconversation.com