Every year plays a role in shaping our future, but with the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, this one holds even more weight. It's up to you to choose the candidate who will guide the nation for the next four years—shaping decisions that will affect generations to come. As you prepare to head to the polls, it's crucial to remember that while the presidential race gets a lot of attention, your local elections are just as important. These elections directly shape the community you live in, making a personal impact that can be just as significant.
Your vote matters, your voice matters, and being informed matters. According to PBS, “Roughly 3 in 4 American adults believe the upcoming presidential election is crucial to the future of U.S. democracy.” With critical national issues like abortion, immigration, healthcare, taxes, and control of the Supreme Court at stake, the outcome of the election could impact every aspect of our citizenship in this country.
However, local elections influence your day-to-day life just as profoundly. From selecting county commissioners to sheriffs, these decisions directly affect your community. It’s important to remember that voting isn’t a right everywhere in the world. Some countries restrict this freedom, but as an American citizen, you have the right to make your voice heard. By not voting, you’re essentially giving your power away to those who would gladly—and are actively—trying to silence you.
To help you navigate this important election, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that answers many of your questions about voting and how to make sure your vote counts!
By now, with everything going on in the world, you probably have a good idea of who you'll be voting for in the presidential election. Make sure to not overlook the importance of local elections, measures, and propositions that also need your vote.
A great way to start researching your choices is with your state voter guide. In CA registered voters receive both a State Voter Information Guide that has information on state wide candidates and measures, and a County voter information guide, with containing information on local voting matters. These guides offer descriptions of candidates and issues, along with details on which groups support or oppose them. In addition to recommendations form the Democratic and Republican parties which you can find easily online, voters can find voting recommendations from organizations like the the LA Times, the League of Women Voters, ACLU, California College Republicans, and the Chrisitian Voter Guide. Just be sure to review local issues carefully and remember that certain organizations will recommend ballot choices aligned with their specific interests.
HOW DO I VOTE?
The easiest way to register to vote is online, especially if you are an out-of-state student. The deadlines for online voter registration is provided below. However, some states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, Wyoming, Texas and North Dakota, do not offer online registration. In these cases, you can register by mail or in person.
Voter registration deadlines differ significantly from state to state. For instance, Alaska has one of the earliest deadlines on October 6th, while Hawaii, Vermont, and Nevada allow registration all the way until November 5th. This makes it crucial to check your state's specific deadline. For states listed as "N/A," the voter registration deadline is October 7th in Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, and Texas, while Wyoming and South Dakota have an October 21st deadline. North Dakota is the only state in the U.S. that does not require voter registration.
How do I register to vote?
To register to vote online, simply search "How do I register to vote in [your state]?" and you should be directed to the appropriate resources. Links for California, Texas, and Colorado are provided for your convenience. If you are registering to vote by mail, your application must be postmarked by the deadline; otherwise, it will not be accepted.
What documents are needed to register to vote?
Requirements vary by state, but a driver's license or state ID is typically needed. If you don't have these, you may be able to provide alternative documentation, such as a bank statement or utility bill.
If you are an out-of-state student, you must register to vote in the state where your permanent home address is located.
I forget if I was registered to vote; how can I check?
If you believe you are registered to vote, simply type "Am I registered to vote [your state?]" and a website will appear asking for your driver's license number and birthday. Links for Texas, California, and Colorado will be given.
Voting by mail? We got you!
In several states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia, ballots are automatically mailed to every registered voter; there’s no need to request one. In California, county elections offices will start mailing ballots by October 7, 2024. If you haven't received your ballot by mid-October, it's a good idea to follow up. You can also sign up for notifications through the state of California at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov. This service provides automatic updates about your ballot via email, SMS text, or voice call.
In states like Texas, however, you need to request a mail-in ballot and provide a valid reason for doing so, such as being an out-of-state student, since most voters are expected to vote in person. After you submit your mail-in ballot application at your local post office, you will receive your ballot in the mail, allowing you to cast your vote.
How do I return my ballot?
In California, you have three options for returning your ballot:
Mail it back: Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, November 5, 2024, and received by November 12, 2024.
Drop it off at a designated location: You can use drop boxes available in your area.
Vote in person: Vote centers will open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties starting on October 26, 2024.
If you’re mailing your vote, the U.S. Postal Service recommends sending it at least one week before the deadline. Click here for a USPS location near you.*
Per our past election blog, for the last few years, Chapman University, in collaboration with the Department of Student Engagement, has been dedicated to making the voting process easily accessible to students. If you're a California resident, you have the right to vote either in Orange County or your hometown community. The Student Union also partnered with TurboVote, a non-partisan platform that provides students with voting resources and updates. One of TurboVote's key features is its ability to send automatic reminders via text, helping you stay on top of important deadlines and providing essential information for both local and out-of-state voters.
The elections are just 33 days away!I It may feel like you have plenty of time, but it’s closer than you think. So, get ahead of those deadlines—register to vote and encourage your friends, family, strangers, teachers, and everyone else to do the same. Vote like your life depends on it, because it truly does. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via email or Instagram. We can't wait to see you at the polls this year! #VOTE
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