Everything You Need to Know to About In-Person Voting
Voting 101.
by MYKENNA MANIECE ★ NOVEMBER 2, 2020
It’s finally here—Election Day 2020. Tomorrow, millions of people will cast their ballots for the president and a multitude of local officials. If you’ve already mailed in your ballot, congratulations! Remember to check the status of your vote online to ensure it’s been properly counted. Each state has their own website for reporting ballot statuses, so a quick Google search can get you the info you need ASAP. If you’re a resident of New York State, click here! However, if you plan to vote in-person tomorrow, here’s what you need to know before you head to the polls!
Are You Registered?
While most states require voters to register before election day, there are some exceptions to this rule. The map below explains what states allow same-day registration. If you’re unsure of your registration status, vote.org is a great resource you can use to double check!
Do Your Research
For starters, it’s a good idea to know who you’re voting for before you arrive at the polls. For many college students, this will be our first time voting, so any opportunity to alleviate some stress is worth it! If you’re unsure of a candidate or bill on your state’s ballot, vote411.org offers information on candidate history and their stances on a variety of important issues from student loan debts, to gun rights, to immigration. Quick tip: bring a note sheet with you to the polls so you don’t get confused by all the names!
Where Will You Vote
The National Association of Secretaries of State has made it easy to find out what polling stations are available to you! Simply select your state, and you’ll be redirected to their election website where you can input your information and learn where to vote. From here, you should make a plan on how to get there. Will you walk, Uber, carpool with friends? However you choose to arrive, remember to give yourself plenty of time because the lines will definitely be long! Voter turnout, specifically among Gen Z, has been enormous thus far so let’s keep it going! When waiting in line, remember to wear your mask and social distance. For those in the Syracuse area, you’ll also want to bundle up!
What to Bring
In addition to your note sheet, some states require voters to bring a form of ID. Check the infographic below to find out if your state is one of them and for specifics about what kinds of identification are acceptable!
Credit: ncsl.org
To say this year’s election is important would be a gross understatement. We’ve seen the coronavirus take the lives of over 230,000 Americans, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the climate crisis worsening. Voting doesn’t work like magic, but it’s an essential step we can take to move toward progress. Remember that when you cast your ballot tomorrow, you’re voting for all those who’ve been excluded or disenfranchised by the system. There’s power in your voice, so use it wisely!
Additional Sources:
https://www.usa.gov/election-day
Cover photo credit: Pinterest (hitherandthither.net)