Election day is approaching fast, and as college students, a lot of us can’t make it to the polls in our home state on Nov. 6. But you still want to vote – so what should you do?
Vote using an absentee ballot!
If you’re already registered in your home state, getting an absentee ballot is pretty easy. Each state has different rules for absentee voting, but fortunately, Long Distance Voter makes finding your home state’s rules quick and simple. Many of the links on the site provide the absentee ballot application online, which you can print, fill out and then mail, fax or even sometimes email to your county courthouse.
Another great way to get your absentee vote on is to use TurboVote, which lets you put in your information, then fills the form out for you – all you have to do is mail it in. The site gives both emails you the PDF and mails the form to you, along with a pre-stamped envelope, saving on mailing costs. How great is that?
For first-time voters, pay attention to the requirements listed on Long Distance Voter. Some states, like West Virginia, require some form of ID, like a driver’s license, to be sent with the application. If you do choose to email your form, McEwen 108 has two public scanners you can to upload signed forms and photo IDs.
Unfortunately, for some of us, it may be too late to get the absentee ballot and vote. Some states require your ballot application to be sent in a few weeks early, such as Rhode Island, which requires the application by October 16. But many of them have Oct. 30 so you may not be able to make your state’s deadline by mail. However, some places allow you to actually email your application, so even if you can’t make the mailing deadline, you can likely still make that!
It’s so easy to get the application, send it in and vote – so why not just do it? Get involved and make a difference, no matter whom you vote for.