Last Minute Voting Tips

Today is midterm election day, and it figures to be one with high turnout.  While it’s not a perfect predictor, early voting numbers are up more than 50% from the 2014 midterms, with over 34 million votes cast already. Below we examine a few common questions ahead of the midterms.

What’s on my ballot?

Before you get to the polls it’s important to know what you’re actually voting for.  While most people are familiar with the top of ticket races for governor, the Senate, and the House, there are important down-ballot races that affect you quite a bit at the local level.  Additionally, many states and counties have resolutions that are less publicized.

Here in Wisconsin, we have a state site called https://myvote.wi.gov with personalized information and other states have their own elections sites set up.  You can also look to the nonprofit vote411.org to look at individual races and compare the policy views of the candidates

Is the election safe?

Since the 2016 election there has been an increased focus on election interference.  Whether it’s fake news, aging voting machines, or even brand-new electronic machines that could be hacked, there is a general sense of worry not previously present in elections.  Reports have ranged from saying that states are nowhere near ready to stating that this will be the most secure election ever. 

To learn more about how individual areas have prepared (or not prepared) for the election, Government Technology magazine has a good write-up.  We’ve also written about some of the new election technology that has been implemented in recent years.

When can I vote?

Obviously, if you didn’t vote early, you’ll vote today, Tuesday November 6th.  Voting hours for your individual polling place can be found on the sites above.  Finding the time to get to the polls can be a bit trickier though.  While there is no federal law that requires employers to give workers time off to vote, many individual states have laws governing the practice.  Additionally, many individual companies like Patagonia, Levi Strauss, and Dropbox will be giving their employees time off to vote.

Extract encourages you to get out and vote!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CHRIS MACK

Chris is a Marketing Manager at Extract with experience in product development, data analysis, and both traditional and digital marketing.  Chris received his bachelor's degree in English from Bucknell University and has an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.  A passionate marketer, Chris strives to make complex ideas more accessible to those around him in a compelling way.