As you may know, this year is a presidential election year! In 2016, the voter turnout for ages 18-25 was just over 40% out of all other age demographics, the lowest turnout overall. The upcoming election will affect more young generations than ever, hence the importance of showing out to vote! Here are some websites that make registering to vote super easy!
Massachusetts Voter Information
All you need to be eligible to vote is:
Be 18 or over before the election day (if you are 16, you can pre-register if you are from California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington so when you turn 18, you are an active voter)
Be a U.S Citizen
Meet your state’s residency requirements
Register before your state’s deadline
Although we are in a pandemic, there are several ways to cast your vote this year!
All states are allowing mail-in voting this year, but it may look different for each state. Some states mailed in ballots to registered voters, others require an absentee ballot request. You can look into requesting your absentee ballot here for any state in the U.S. This is also a great way to support the USPS and the safest way to vote! As long as you submit your ballot in time (usually before Election Day), your vote will be counted. Most states also offer drop-off boxes typically at their city/town halls where you can self-deliver your mail-in ballot.
Early voting is also a great way to cast your vote if you prefer to do so in-person, without the commotion of Election Day! If you are able to go to a polling location, it is definitely available. All states have varying dates and requirements for early voting and you can check the early voting calendar here!
Lastly, if you cannot do either of the previously stated, you also have the option of voting in-person on Election Day. Make sure you check your polling location and voter registration status upon going to the polls. Given it is a Census year, some locations may require you to fill out a state or city Census in order for your voting status to remain active so be sure to check that before you go vote!
Another great way to become involved in the elections this year is to become a poll-worker! In most states, this is a paid position and a great opportunity to learn how polling systems work. Due to the pandemic, many past poll-workers do not want to return due to safety concerns so it is being heavily advertised to younger demographics to become involved! You do not have to be 18 in most states to become a poll-worker and doing so is as easy as calling your local city/town clerk to get hired. Power the Polls is also a great resource to learn more about what being a poll-worker entails. Get a friend from your town and help out the community while making some extra dough!
Voting is a privilege and if you hold that privilege, own it! Our future is dependent on this election and voter turnout of the younger generation specifically. Become involved, do your research, and happy voting!
Tip: Bring your own black pen to the polls to avoid the spread of the virus in using other pens if your location does not allow you to keep your own pen!