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Register & Vote
Election Day is Nov. 2, but don't wait 'til then to think about the voting procedures in your area. Here are some ideas on how to prepare for the greatest privilege we have as Americans.
- Contact your local election office to make sure you're registered. Find out how to register if you're not and do so right away. States vary on their registration deadlines, so don't take any chances by putting this off.
- Look for the phone number of your election office in the state-government pages of your phone book.
- If you don't get a registration card within three weeks of registering, call the election office again to check it out. If there was some problem along the way, follow instructions carefully to correct it.
- If you've moved recently, you may need to re-register at your new address. Be sure to call the elections office to check. You may also have to re-register if you've changed your name (after a marriage, for example) or haven't voted in recent elections.
- Many counties permit early voting to help diminish polling-place crowds on Election Day. If this is an option in your community, give it a try.
- You may also be able to vote by mail prior to Election Day. This is sometimes called "absentee" voting, but in many places you don't have to be outside the area in order to vote this way. Your local election office will be able to tell you the rules. If you think you may not be able to make it to the polls for any reason (potential bad weather, possibility of not feeling well), then look into voting by mail. It's the best way to guarantee your vote for the candidates of your choice.
- Many communities are introducing new voting procedures and equipment this year. Computer touch screens have been adopted in many places, for example, and some communities now require identification at polling places. Call your election office to find out what's new and to explore opportunities for practice sessions on new voting machines.
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