Historically, young people have had the lowest voter turnout of any age group. In the 2018 election, only 35.6 percent of registered voters between the ages of 18 and 29 actually voted. Given this generation’s propensity to political action, it’s shocking that the statistic is so low. For those of us old enough to cast a ballot, it’s time to put our civic engagement where our mouths are. If you want to participate in the 2019 elections, below is a guide that can help you make sure you’re eligible.
- Be registered to vote
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The easiest way to do this is go to Vote.org. For first-time voters, it takes less than two minutes to do. If you’re pretty confident you’re already registered, it can’t hurt to double-check. Unfortunately, many states purge voters from their records, which could possibly affect your registration status. You’ll also have to re-register if you’ve moved houses or changed your legal name since you last registered.
- Find out the date of Election Day
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This year, Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Barnard offers a fall break on this date and the day before, so if you’re lucky enough to be returning home, you can vote (provided you’re registered) in your hometown. If your home state offers early voting, check to see if you’ll be there on those dates too.
- Find your polling place
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Vote.org has got you covered yet again. All you have to do is click on your state and follow the instructions.
- Get an absentee ballot
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If you won’t be home on Election Day, no worries. Request an absentee ballot, which will allow you to vote from Barnard, and send it back home. Vote.org will give you a guide to filling it out as well. Request early, as different states have different deadlines.
- Research the issues you’re voting on
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Closer to Election Day, Vote411.org provides a personalized voting guide depending on your location. You may want to check local publications, as they might tailor their suggestions to the community’s political climate.
- Most importantly, VOTE!
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When the day comes, cast your ballot. Voting is your chance to support the values you believe in. Do you think that more attention needs to be given to the climate crisis? Vote for an elected official who believes that too. Is education funding dear to your heart? Support the propositions in your community that will raise money for schools.
Those of us who are lucky enough to have the right to vote should absolutely utilize it. A vote is a voice, so use the voice you have to support the causes you believe in and make changes.