Election day is quickly approaching. If you’ve voted in a general election, you may assume you know everything related to voting; however, rules change. The polling location may be different during a presidential election as opposed to a mid-term year, for instance. Additionally, the candidates that are running and the matters in which you are voting are different. It’s likely there’s at least one issue on the ballot that you aren’t familiar with. That’s why it is best to stay informed and reference unbiased resources.
1. User Voting Guides
While you may know who is running for big-ticket races, such as president or senator, you may be less familiar with local elections. These races are just as important, if not more so, as they directly affect the area in which you live. On any given election year, you may also be voting on issues and amendments as well as school board positions. Unless you are actively educating yourself on these affairs, you may need to do some research before heading to the polls.
User voting guides will help you learn about all the candidates running for office as well as ballot proposals. Reviewing these guides beforehand will assist you in the decision-making process. You can find these guides online by doing a quick Google search. It’s best to look up your specific area to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information. For example, if you live in LA, read the Los Angeles voter guide.
2. Non-Profit and Non-Partisan Organizations
There are numerous voting resources online, but a lot of information can be biased. The most accurate resources tend to come from non-profit and non-partisan organizations. These organizations exist to help people during the election period. They are dedicated to providing current, reliable guidance to allow U.S. citizens to make informed choices. Use these types of organizations and websites to learn more about how to register and where to vote.
One of the best examples of a non-profit and non-partisan organization is Vote.org. As the largest, 501(c)(3) organization for voting registration, Vote.org is invested in reaching voters and empowering them to vote. The organization works to increase voter registration through its get-out-the-vote campaign. It meets citizens where they are, making it as simple as possible to register and enticing them to get to the polls.
Another non-profit, non-partisan organization is Democracy Works, which partners with election officials and tech platforms to help voters. Democracy Works is leaning into new technology, such as AI, to make it even easier for citizens to be informed and vote. For the 2020 election year, Democracy Works’ data was viewed over 500 million times! Their platform is designed with the voter in mind, empowering individuals like you to make the process as easy as possible.
3. Public Libraries
Libraries are a cornerstone of many cities. These publicly funded institutions benefit citizens year-round, particularly during contentious election years. They provide free access to information as well as programs and public spaces for community members to gather. Many libraries will host panels and discussions related to civic engagement. While some of these may be specific to a political party or group, others will be non-partisan.
Many public libraries also provide resources to address concerns related to equity and access to the polls. Libraries know that people from all walks of life will enter through their doors. Because of this, they push efforts to increase voter registration and encourage members to participate in upcoming elections. Visit your public library or check out their website to see if any upcoming voting engagement events are planned for your local area.
4. State and Local Election Offices
Voting rules and regulations vary from state to state. For instance, some states, such as California, Oregon, and Colorado, conduct all-mail elections. This means that every eligible voter can get a mail-in ballot without having to request one. However, the majority of states do not conduct all-mail elections. While mail-in ballots may be available, citizens in these states will need to request one ahead of time.
This is just one example of the differences that can occur in voting based on where you live. If you’ve moved to a new state within the year, it’s a good idea to contact your local election offices. These offices, also known as the board of elections, will provide you with the information you need to know based on your new place of residence. They will notify you of upcoming deadlines, including casting your vote early or mail-in voting opportunities. You can find out more about these offices online.
Key Election Day Tips and Takeaways
Doing your homework ahead of election day will ensure that you’re ready for this all-important day. Take advantage of the resources noted above to learn about your polling center and what’s required to vote. Some states will need to see a photo ID of some sort (e.g., driver’s license, passport). Do a dry run ahead of election day to see where you can park your car or if it’s best to take public transportation.
When it comes to what is on the ballot, research each candidate and issue so that nothing will surprise you. This will make voting day simple for you, rather than causing an unnecessary backup at the polling center.
Once you’ve done your homework, ask your family members, friends, and neighbors if they’ve made an election day plan. If you have an elderly relative, ask if you can drive them to their polling center. Or, better yet, see if they’ve requested a mail-in ballot that you can drop off for them. Empowering your community can be a rewarding experience. You’re ensuring that everyone has a say in shaping the decisions that will impact your local area the most.
