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Register, Learn, Vote, Stay Engaged!
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Cynthia PetersAudio Player
So, you want to vote! Audio PlayerOr you want to support someone else to vote. Audio PlayerFollow the four steps below. Audio PlayerAfter you read, consider holding a voter registration drive at your program or hold a mock election. Audio PlayerFind more resources here: nelrc.org/vera.Audio Player
1. Register to VoteAudio PlayerEvery state in the U.S. (except North Dakota) requires you to register to vote if you want to vote.
Audio PlayerMost states allow you to register online.
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To register to vote in the U.S., you need to be a citizen and at least 18 years old on election day. Audio PlayerDon’t miss the deadline (which is different in every state)! Audio PlayerAsk someone who knows or look it up online. Audio PlayerHere are some websites that help you figure out how to register:- Audio Playervote.org
- Audio Playerrockthevote.org/how-to-vote
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2. Learn about the Issues and the CandidatesAudio PlayerNow that you are registered, how will you vote?
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Do you have a preference for a certain political party, Audio Playerand will you vote based on the candidate’s affiliation with that party?Audio Player
Or will you study the candidates and vote on the one who is most aligned with you on the issues?Audio Player
Here are some ways to learn more about the political parties and who is running for office and what they stand for:- Audio Playerjustfacts.votesmart.org
- Audio Playerwww.usnews.com/news/elections
- Audio Playerdiffen.com/difference/Democrat_vs_Republican
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3. Vote in Person or by MailAudio PlayerLearn about how to vote in your state. Audio PlayerIf you vote in person, where is your polling place?
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Can you vote by mail? If so, how? Audio Player(You may need to apply for a mail-in ballot.) Audio PlayerIf you are voting by mail, don’t wait until the last minute to send in your ballot.Audio Player
Support others to get their ballot in the mail or to go to the polls on election day. Audio PlayerIf it is safe to do so, give rides to the polls or volunteer at the polls.Audio Player
Use your phone and social media to remind people to vote Audio Playerand to connect them with resources they might need to be able to vote.Audio Player
4. Stay EngagedAudio PlayerVoting should not be something we do every few years and then forget about it. Audio PlayerOnce candidates are elected, they need to keep hearing from us. Audio PlayerYou can be sure that they hear from special interest groups Audio Playerthat try to convince them to vote one way or another on legislation.
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You, too, should put ongoing pressure on your elected officials to vote the way you want them to. Audio PlayerStay engaged!- Audio PlayerContact your legislator and let them know how you feel about an issue.
- Audio PlayerJoin a community organization that is working on an issue you care about.
- Audio PlayerParticipate in actions and protests that show how you feel about an issue.
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Cynthia Peters is the editor of The Change Agent.