Make sure you’re ready for November 3.
YOUR VOTING PREP CHECKLIST
Whether state and local elections or presidential elections, voting gives you the power to make your voice heard regarding issues that are important to you, from the environment, college tuition, healthcare, to something else entirely.
Election time means a lot of campaigning—maybe you’ve even been volunteering, and there’s a lot of noise which can get overwhelming. It’s important to remember that Gen Z now plays a more crucial role than ever in deciding senators, local representatives, as well as the future U.S. president, so it’s important to participate where you can and use your vote.
Here’s what to know before voting and how you can prepare for elections.
1. RESEARCH THE BALLOT
While much of the attention will be on the 2024 presidential election, it’s not the only contest that’ll be on your ballot. Depending on where you live, you may also be voting for board of education members, general attorneys, state representatives, and senators, just to name a few. Sometimes there are also questions about initiatives that you can vote yes or no on. These matters are equally as important as voting for the president, because the decisions will have an impact at the local level and can directly affect your daily life. So, you don’t want to wait until you’re inside a voting booth to do your research. Before Election Day, visit Ballotpedia or your county’s website to see a sample ballot and find out as much information as you can before you vote.
Bonus: This will also help you familiarize yourself with what the ballot looks like, so you’ll know how to fill it out properly when the time comes.
2. BE INFORMED
Sure, you see the headlines and posts, but are you truly paying attention to who’s running for office? Don’t just believe what you read on social media. Most candidates have information on their website about their platforms, from the economy or immigration to their environmental policies. This is an excellent place to start, so you can see how you align with each person running for office and form your own opinions. You may also want to compare a few trusted news sources for the latest details.
3. MAKE A VOTING PLAN
Just like the 2020 presidential election, 2024 will be different—and because of that, it’s even more crucial that you have a voting plan. First things first, check to make sure you’re registered to vote. A resource such as HeadCount can verify that you’re a registered voter (or help you get registered if you aren’t) and tell you the location of your polling place.
Once you confirm your voter registration, research how your state is handling this year’s election. While Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, some states have early voting or vote by mail. Early voting means you go to a polling place before Election Day to vote in-person. This is a good option if you are worried about long lines or if you’re unable to take off from school or work on Election Day. Check your county’s website to see if this is an option.
Vote by mail could be another voting option for you. Certain states require you to request a vote-by-mail ballot, while other states will automatically send you one in the mail. If you want to go this route and don’t have your ballot yet, contact your county’s board of elections. Once you have your mail-in ballot, it’s very important that you follow the directions—or else your vote could be discounted. That means using the right color pen to bubble in your choices, signing your signature in the appropriate spots, and carefully sealing every envelope. Once you’ve signed and sealed it, you have a few secure options: drop it off in a mailbox or at the post office ahead of time, hand-deliver it your municipality, or give it to a poll worker on Election Day. After you’ve sent it off, you may even be able to track your ballot online.
Of course, there is also the most well-known voting option: voting in-person on Election Day. Before you leave your house, make sure you know the correct location to vote. Sometimes voting takes just minutes, while other times there are long lines. Be prepared by wearing comfortable shoes and tucking a snack in your Fifth Avenue waistpack, just in case it’s the latter.
One last thing to keep in mind: In some states, it's illegal to take a selfie with your ballot, so if you're not sure about the laws, don't take any photos. Every state has its own set of rules for voting, so always check your state or county’s website to help you create a successful voting plan.
Voting is hardly a simple decision, but it’s one of the most important choices we make. Take time to research what to know before voting and prepare for the election, so you can ensure your voice is heard. Get ready to change the world.
