Today is the National Voter Registration Day. Unfortunately, there are a lot of Americans who have terrible voting habits because they just don’t vote. The main way to have your voice heard is to register early and vote. If you are already registered, update your information online or in person.
One important thing to keep in mind is that no two states run their elections the same. This is why it is important to contact your state or local election office to find out exactly the voting rules within your state.
Everything You Need To Know To Vote And Have A Voice
Despite the differences in how many states run their elections, below are the basic voting rules that are almost the same everywhere:
- every state requires you to register to vote (except North Dakota)
- every state has absentee voting
- most states assign you a specific polling place. But only a few states have ballot drop sites.
Keep in mind there are 37 states that allow you to register online. All you need to do is register at Vote.gov. But if you prefer to register in person you can download the National Mail Voter Registration here in different languages. Or you can simply visit these local election offices to fill out the form:
- department of motor vehicles
- Armed services recruitment centers
- State and county public assistance offices
Finally, once you get yourself registered you will be able to vote in the Mid Elections, on November 6, 2018. This is the time when Americans have the opportunity to vote in their lawmakers, who best represent them and their state. In a few states, you need to be registered to vote 30 days out from the election. For many people that is next weekend, so check the deadlines as soon as you can.
How you can make a difference:
✔️remind others to vote
✔️help others by offering to register to vote for them
✔️offer rides to people who do not have ride to vote
Please spread the word by sharing this post privately with your friends and/or on your social media pages.
oh wow! What a wonderfully thorough post about all things voting. Thanks so much for this ! 🙂
The only way to bring change is to vote. Thanks again for sharing, I like it a lot.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Majie. Also, thank you!
I was registered to vote when I got my license after moving to Texas. It was easy to do at that time. When I lived in Florida, I always did an absentee ballot because I always had work or class or, more recently, had my young kids. In Texas, you can only do an absentee if you are elderly or disabled or have documented travel plans. I was surprised at how different the process is in different states.
I agree with you, Stephanie. Some states make it harder to vote. Which is so frustrating.
Thank you for publishing this great informative post!!! I cannot agree with you more – it is SO important for all of us to vote, regardless of which party or which issues we support! Thanks for compiling this super-useful summary of what people need to know in order to register!
Thank you, Flossie.
It’s so important that we exercise our right to vote. This is very helpful so that people know how to get registered.
Thank you, Jessica.
This is such an important post. Voting is your civic duty.
It sure is.
Voting is important it allows you to have a voice out in the country. BTW, this is a great post.
Thank you!
I have never voted before. I moved from another country and I didn’t think it was very important to vote. Or that my vote would matter, however I have learned so much. I am disappointed that I never used my vote before. I do my best to encourage others to vote too because it is truly important!
I think a lot of people feel the same way, including myself. I first started voting in my 30’s. Now I make sure to vote each election and I encourage others to do the same. By voting it gives us the power to hold our government officials accountable by firing them or rehiring them.
Thanks for reminding me. I need to have my address changed on my voter record. They somehow just changed my address!
Glad to help! 🙂
This is such an important topic to talk about! Thank you for bringing awareness!
Thanks, Kim!
What a great way to get information to a new voter! Definitely going to pad this on!
Thank you, Sarah!
Voting is so important. It’s too bad that such a small percentage of people actually vote.
I couldn’t agree more.