Autumn is underway – the air is getting colder, the leaves are changing, school has started, and pumpkin spice is back at Starbucks. Amongst all this commotion though is one big event – the presidential election. While it might be tempting to push the thought to the back of your mind while you focus on midterms and game days, getting involved in the election isn’t as hard or scary as it may seem.
1. Register to vote: The deadline to register to vote has passed in most places, but if you’re from one of the states listed below, you still have some time. Most states offer registration via online, mail, and in person. Check out the deadlines and get registered!
Alabama: Online, Mail, and in Person by Oct 24.
California: Online, Mail, and in Person by Oct 24.
Colorado Online and Mail by Oct 31, in Person by Nov 8.
Connecticut: Online and Mail by Nov 1, in Person by Nov 8.
Idaho: In Person by Nov 8.
Illinois: Online by Oct 23 and in Person by Nov 8.
Iowa: Online by Oct 29, Mail by Oct 24, in Person by Nov 8.
Maine: In Person by Nov 8.
Maryland: In Person by Nov 3.
Minnesota: In Person by Nov 8.
Montana: In Person by Nov 8.
Nebraska: In Person by Oct 28.
New Hampshire: Mail by Oct 29, in Person by Nov 8.
North Carolina: In Person by Nov 5.
South Dakota: Received by Mail and in Person by Oct 24.
Utah: Online and in Person by Nov 1.
Vermont: Online, Mail, and in Person by Nov 2.
Washington In Person by Oct 31.
Washington DC: In Person by Nov 8.
Wisconsin: In Person by Nov 8.
Wyoming: Received by Mail by Oct 25 and in Person by Nov 8.
2. Learn about the candidates: Once you’re registered, learn about the policies of the candidates from which you’ll be choosing. Watch the past presidential debates and do your research on each candidate. There are even websites like I Side With that have you rank your own political stances and tells you which candidate your values align with the most.
3. Be an educated voter: While doing your election research make sure you’re getting a well-rounded view of the candidates from various positions. So, for example, if you typically watch CNN go and watch Fox News, and vice versa. It also helps to look at the history of various publications to see how they’ve reported in the past and if anything sticks out, like The Atlantic’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton as the third person they’ve ever endorsed in their 159-year history.
4. Research your local election: You may have done all your research on the presidential candidates, but what about your local election? It might seem insignificant when you compare it to the presidential election, but when it comes down to it, it’s that election that determines things like your local laws. It’s your chance to make your voice heard in your own community. There plenty of other reasons to vote in your local election but the bottom line is if you don’t vote then you can’t complain if something gets passed that you’re unhappy with.
5. Go and Vote: Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to go and vote! Encourage your friends and family to vote, find out where your polling station is, go buy some stamps for your absentee ballot, carpool to the polls, but one way or another make sure you get out and vote. And regardless of your political views you have to admit, getting to vote is pretty exciting!
Images courtesy of: Quote.com, CNN, and Pusheen.com