Election Day is fast approaching and there’s a lot to do before that fateful day. While it’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote and are aware of candidates and what they’re standing for, there are a lot of things you can do on Election Day as well to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
There’s a lot on the line during this election. Gen Z has faced a lot of problems in their lifetime, from gun violence to climate change issues to a Supreme Court whose recent decisions majorly affect the younger population. With all that they’ve seen, this generation is here to make their voice heard this Election Day. A recent study conducted by the National Society of High School Scholars showed that 85% of Gen Z is ready to get out and vote in the upcoming midterms. Educating yourself about what’s at stake can not only help you make an informed decision, but it can also show you that every vote counts in making sure that we elect the best person for the job.
Apart from staying informed and showing up there’s a lot more that you can do to make sure all goes well on this eventful day. Yes, voting is right at the top of that list, but there are other ways to participate, from volunteering to helping people get to the polls, that can ensure this day goes on as well as possible.
- Volunteer at the polls.
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One of the main ways to get involved beyond voting is volunteering at a polling center. The specific duties of a poll worker differ based on your jurisdiction, but the most common ones include setting up polling locations, verifying voter registrations, issuing ballots, and ensuring that voters understand how to use the voting equipment.
The legal requirements for becoming a poll worker vary from state to state, so find out your state laws on volunteering to be an election worker and get the process started by signing up at your local election office. Don’t forget to check out the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s poll worker checklist to make sure you’re ready on Election Day!
- Remind friends and family to vote.
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Every single vote counts, and getting as many people to vote is really important. So, call up your friends and family and remind them to get out there on this very important day. If you live near each other, you can also make plans to carpool, so those who might be struggling to find transportation have a way to get to their polling center.
- Volunteer at a phone bank.
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If there’s a candidate that people really need to know about or an issue that you think is really important, you can sign up to volunteer to work at a phone bank to spread the word. It’s a way to make sure your chosen candidates or issues get the support they need, but it also helps to remind people about voting in general. Since the 2020 elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now more options to work at phone banks virtually as well — so you can do your part from the comfort of your own home!
- Post your obligatory after-voting picture on social media.
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It might seem like a small thing, but that little reminder of voting on social media feeds can get more people to the polls. Just imagine it: your entire feed full of selfies and pictures with your friends, families, and the celebrities you follow — all with voting stickers on. It can be a huge motivator for those who are hesitant in getting out there on Election Day. A little FOMO can go a long way!
- Host an election watch party.
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Once it’s all said and done, it’s time to get together with your friends and family at your own election night watch party, or join one of the many parties hosted by local politicians around you. It can be a great place to celebrate or commiserate together as the results are rolled out. Watch parties are also a place to just relax and toast to a successful Election Day as you wait to see the path of the future.
Her Campus wants your voice to be heard. We’ve teamed up with DoSomething.org to make registering to vote fast and easy. Sign up here!