Election Questions Answered. The How-To of Voting

Let me start this off by saying. 

I AM NOT TELLING YOU WHO TO VOTE FOR.

I just want that to be clear.  This is a simple, how do I know who, how to a research guide to help you make a decision on who you want to vote for.  Many of you may not know this but, I work as an election judge for each election in my state.  I love it.  It is a really long day, but at the end I know I did my part to serve my country and state and help provide a safe and fair election.  Since people know that I do this, I get a lot of election related questions.   I thought that I would answer them here to help everyone.

How do I know if I am registered to vote?

This is one I get all the time.  Typically the only time you are unregistered to vote is if you move.  If you have lived at the same address for 20 years and have consistently voted, you are probably okay.  If you have not voted in 10 years, they may have removed from the voter rolls.  

There are alot of different websites that will help you determine if you are registered to vote.  My favorite website is https://www.vote.org/  This site is jammed packed with information.  It will tell you how to vote, what the vote registration rules are for your state.

Can I register on the day of the election?

The answer is it depends on the rules in your state.  Again, www.vote.org  lists each states rules.  If you are do live in a state with same registration, come prepared.  They are going to want 2 forms of ID and a piece of mail with you name going to that address.

How do I know what is on the ballot?

This is my favorite question!  I love that people what to be informed.  Check your local newpaper's online site.  Typically, right be an election they will publish a sample ballot.  There is a website, https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page, it will ask you to enter your home address and provide you a sample ballot.

How to a research a candidate, issue, etc?

Everyone, and every issue has a website these days.  Go straight to that.  Get the information directly from them.  Do not rely on social media, or the main stream media.  To me they are always talking in circles and it is confusing.  Look at the issues that are important to you.  What is there position?  Reminder, they are representing you and the candidate that shares your point of view is probably going to have your best interest in mind.

Why should I vote?

This is not a hard question.  It is your right, and you duty as an American.  The way I see it, you get no opinion if you cannot take 1/2 hour out of your day to vote, once or twice a year.

Know your Rights.

I will leave you with this.  Now your voting rights.  Review the voting rules for your state (www.vote.org) and know what you are require to provide to vote and what you don't have to provide in order to vote.  There are even resources out there on who to contact on election day if you feel like your rights are being violated.    

Reminders...

• Most states now have early voting.  These means that they have Saturday and in some states Sunday voting hours, leading up to the election.  Contact your state or county for locations and hours.  
• If you have mobility issues you can still vote, contact your state or county for a absentee ballot you can mail back before the election. 
• Be nice to the poll workers, we are trying to help.......

Did I cover all your questions? If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to me.  You can send me an email: cyndi@cynfullywonderful.com or reach out to me on twitter (@cyndic88) or Facebook (Cynfully Wonderful) 

Cheers!

~Cyn