With just over a month until November’s General Election now is the time to make sure you are getting ready to cast your ballot.
Why Your Vote Matters
If you ever think that your vote in a pile of millions can’t make an impact, you are wrong, and should consider some of the closest elections in U.S. history. Look at the 2000 election, Al Gore (barely) lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. The election came down to a recount in Florida where Bush had won the popular vote by such a small margin that it triggered an automatic recount and a Supreme Court case. Bush ultimately won Florida by 0.009 percent of the votes. Had just a few hundred Gore supporters voted in that state the election may have turned out very differently. However, yes, your vote may not directly elect the president, but your vote joins others in your voting district or county, your vote will matter when it comes to electoral results.
How to Prepare to Vote
1.) Make sure You Are Registered to Vote
If you’ve moved recently, it’s your first-time voting, or you are not positive if you are registered, it’s a good time to check. In most states you can do this online, but be mindful of deadlines. some states allow you to register on Election Day but not all.
Find online voter registration for your state here
2.) You May Have to Register With a Political Party
While the primaries are over, it’s important to know that in some states voters must register with a political part to vote in its primary, those states are called ‘closed primary’ states. In other states you can vote for anyone in the election.
This map will help you find out what type of primary your state has.
3.) Consider Early Voting or Vote by Mail
Lines are usually long on Election Day and being in the middle of a pandemic, it may be your best route for voting this season. Many states are making it easier for voters to vote absentee by mail.
Keep in mind that every state’s rules are different, and each has its own set of rules for mail-in voting. You can find out if your state offers early voting here and browse this list to see if you can obtain a mail ballot in your state.
4.) Heading to The Polls? Have What You Need
Before you head out to cast your vote on Election Day make sure you have all the information you need to vote, such as specific forms of identification. Double check this list to make sure you have everything that your state requires.
Once you’ve ensured you have all your documentation ready, you need to find your polling place. Polls can be in odd spots and may have moved sense you last voted, so it’s important to know where to head on Election Day. You can look up your polling place here.
If you’re looking for more information on your state’s voting regulations, check out Vote.org.
Participating in elections is one of our American freedoms. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in years past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights- get out and vote!
About the Author: Taylor Genter Taylor is the Marketing Specialist at Extract with experience in data analytics, graphic design, and both digital and social media marketing. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. Taylor enjoys analyzing people’s behaviors and attitudes to find out what motivates them, and then curating better ways to communicate with them.