2020 has certainly been a whirlwind, but this election offers a momentous chance to be an agent of change. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd.
With less than 45 days until the election, time is of the essence. Determining how and where to register can be a frustratingly complex process. Fortunately, these resources do not waste any time. You can still register to vote. Check out When We All Vote to be directed to your state’s voter registration process. Some states even allow people to register online. While some states, like California, offer day-of-election registration and voting, other states’ registration deadlines are quickly approaching. Find out when the voter registration deadline is for where you live here. For those unsure of whether they have registered, vote.org can answer that for you about thirty seconds. Keep an eye out
Once you are registered, view the timeline of elections depending on your state here. Also, check out the early voting calendar here. Do not forget to add these dates to your calendar.
If you have previously voted in an election, you will probably be most familiar with going to the polls. It requires the least amount of paperwork. Check your polling place ahead of time. Be safe by wearing a mask, washing and/or sanitizing your hands before and after voting, and practice social distancing. Also, wear some comfortable shoes in case you have to stand in line for longer than usual.
However, COVID-19 has not magically disappeared. If you reside in a place with many cases or are considered high risk, you may opt to not vote in person. In that case, you have some other options.
Voting early can help avoid crowds, lines, and potential technology issues with machines. For states with early voting, you can drop off your ballot to the polling place. Some states require you to complete an application. An absentee ballot can greatly reduce your risk for exposure. You receive your ballot and send it back through the mail. Since every state follows different protocols for early voting by mail, confirm those processes for your state here.
Young voters realize that the coming elections will greatly affect not only us but also future generations to come. Racism, health care, gun control, climate change, and other issues have jolted the youth into collective action. By keeping ourselves and each other informed, we can have a historic effect on the 2020 election.
While the odds do not always appear to be in our favor, your voice matters. So, get out and vote!
