Turn on the TV or radio and you’re sure to hear political ads from politicians asking for your vote. The election season is upon us, and the messages are impossible to avoid.
As tedious as these messages are, it is our civic duty to participate. Regardless of whom you vote for, what matters most is that you use your right as an American to influence your local community and your country.
Millwood was founded on four pillars; trust, servitude, discipleship and integrity. Our servitude pillar compels us to care for and support others. Customers, coworkers and community neighbors are all included; we felt compelled to share these resources because all Americans need them, and as servant leaders we want to meet that need.
The following questions are some of the most common, for first-time voters and veterans. While the deadlines vary by state, most require registration be completed by early October. Hopefully these resources will assist you when election day comes in two months!
How do I register to vote?
Each state has its own voter registration, but Rock the Vote does all the heavy lifting for you and consolidates the process into a quick, two-minute survey.
https://www.rockthevote.org/how-to-vote/register-to-vote/
To register for an absentee or mail-in ballot, you must use your state’s website; for example, to submit a request in Ohio there is a form you must fill out on https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-voting/.
I don’t know if I’m registered. How can I check?
If you haven’t voted in several elections or you have moved, your registration may need to be updated. This site will determine your voter status and let you know if you need to re-register for the upcoming election.
https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote/voter-registration-status
Who is on my ballot?
Now that you are ready to vote, who are you preparing to vote for? While the presidential election carries the most attention, the local elections are where your vote is most important. Vote 411 provides you with a sample ballot based on your address to prepare you for all your elections, and even offers information about the candidates to compare your choices.
https://www.vote411.org/ballot
Where do I go to vote?
There is a specific location you must vote based on your home address; to find your polling place use the website below.
https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/
What should I take with me to vote?
Each state has different requirements for voter identification; vote.org offers a simple chart with a list of the necessities per state. Because voter ID laws change regularly, the site is a great resource to check in on as it updates frequently.
https://www.vote.org/voter-id-laws/
I still have questions about voting; what do I do?
There is also a live chat service on this government site to talk to an agent about any unanswered questions.
https://www.usa.gov/how-to-vote