{"id":1830,"date":"2020-10-08T15:08:25","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T19:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2.textbookrush.com\/?p=1830"},"modified":"2020-10-08T15:08:32","modified_gmt":"2020-10-08T19:08:32","slug":"8-steps-to-take-to-make-sure-your-2020-election-vote-counts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.textbookrush.com\/blog\/post\/8-steps-to-take-to-make-sure-your-2020-election-vote-counts\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Steps to Take to Make Sure Your 2020 Election Vote Counts + Best Voting Resource Websites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Simply having the right to vote is often cited as a core reason why everyone should rush to the polls on election day. The privileged opportunity of electing public officials whose personal opinions and political aspirations align with yours is a luxury which, unfortunately, all peoples of the world are not offered. Even still, many question whether it is worthwhile to spend energy on a process that bears no immediate consequence. With that in mind, consider what Abraham Lincoln, the United States\u2019 beloved 16th president, once said, \u201cElections belong to the people. It\u2019s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.\u201d<\/em> As Lincoln masterfully illustrates, a passive approach to government may force indirect consequences upon an individual regardless of their attitude. The choice is yours, but I suggest voting and making your voice heard, the world (and possibly your backside) will thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are eight steps to help you get through the voting process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Register to Vote.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Registering to vote is neither challenging nor time-consuming. On average, it only takes TWO minutes to register to vote. Visit Vote.org to see a list of voter registration deadlines by state<\/a> or Vote.gov<\/a> to register to vote, though it is best to practice to check your state\u2019s election website for official deadlines and rules. Keep in mind that if you missed your state\u2019s registration deadline, some states will still allow you to conditionally register and cast a provisional ballot in person at your county\u2019s elections office, including election day (with the required identification.) If you missed your registration deadline, contact your state\u2019s election information office<\/a> for information on provisional ballot allowances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Confirm Your Voter Registration Status.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already registered to vote in the past, confirm your registration status<\/a>. Doing so will take less than 30 seconds. In some states, failing to vote in several consecutive biennial state elections could place you on an inactive voter list. If you find they have placed you on an inactive voter list when you show up to vote, don\u2019t panic. Depending on the state, you should still be able to cast your vote, but will need to present identification and will be required to fill out an affirmation of current and continued residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Request Your Mail-In or Absentee Ballot.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you cannot get to your in-person poll site on election day, you should be able to request an absentee ballot<\/a> from your state<\/a>. State\u2019s rules on absentee ballots vary, so be sure to check your state\u2019s election website<\/a> or contact your local election office. If you\u2019re a college student and still registered in your home state, but want to vote from your college state, you\u2019ll need to request an absentee ballot (alternatively you may register in your college state and vote in person, but you cannot register to vote in both states.) Keep in mind that the deadlines<\/a> to vote by mail are fast approaching, and again, while all states allow absentee ballot voting, state rules on who can vote by absentee ballot vary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Sign Up for Election Reminders.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss a date or deadline and sign up for email and\/or text election reminders<\/a>. You can cancel at any time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Find Out Who\u2019s on Your Ballot and Familiarize Yourself with the Candidates.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research who will be on your ballot and take the time to get to know the candidates and the issues they stand for. You may be able to receive a sample ballot from your state by contacting your local election office<\/a>. You can also visit Ballot Ready<\/a> to find out more information regarding who is on your ballot and additional information on the candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Find Your Voting Poll Location.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you\u2019re registered to vote and know who you want to vote for, if you\u2019re not voting by mail, locate your voting poll<\/a> to cast your vote in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Find Your State\u2019s Voter Requirements.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vote 411\u2019s interactive map<\/a> will quickly tell you what identification items are required to cast your vote on election day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. VOTE!!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mail in your ballot, head to the polls, do whatever you need to do to vote and go VOTE! Get a sticker for voting! Our universal right to vote was once a long, hard-fought struggle. Celebrate your voting right and your choice to cast your vote in the 2020 Presidential Election!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Voter Resource Websites:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CNN Voters Guide<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CNN launched a truly clear and comprehensive online voter information guide to help you vote in the 2020 presidential election. Select your state and see a full page of important voter information that includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n