Can’t vote because you have to work? Check the laws in your state. Many states DO have laws that require employers to let you vote.
Can’t vote because you don’t have transportation? Lyft is currently offering rides free or at 50% off to anyone who needs to get to the polls. Uber is offering $10 off. Even many bike- and scooter-share companies are offering deals right now, and some cities (including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Tampa) are making public transit free on voting day. And, chances are, you have friends who also need to vote, so see if you can carpool.
Not sure what kind of ID, if any, you need to bring? Check the laws in your state.
Not sure where to vote? Vote.org has an easy tool to help you find your nearest polling location.
Not sure if you’re even registered? Vote.org has a tool for that, too.
Worried you don’t know enough to vote? Vote.org will show you everything on your local ballot. Several organizations also have voting guides which will give you more in-depth information. Make sure you choose an organization you trust. I recommend starting with the website for your state’s ACLU or Planned Parenthood.
Don’t think there’s any point of voting in your Red State? Check out this horrifying map of how many people didn’t vote in the 2016 election. There are more registered Democrats than Republicans, but Republicans vote more. Yes, there’s a lot stacked against Democrats, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here are some examples of lifelong Republicans saying they voted Democrat.
Don’t like any of the candidates? My recommendation to you is to pick the least objectionable person you think can win. I would never tell you to vote against your conscience, but I do still think it’s important to make your choice with the understanding that it has consequences. Trump’s victory margin was smaller than total Stein votes in key swing states. As for write-ins, know that your write-in could be equivalent to a vote for the candidate you like least and be sure you’re comfortable with that before doing it.
Voting day is Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Hours vary by location, but the day does not.
Do not take pictures of your ballot.
Do not campaign at the polling place.
Make sure you have proper ID, if needed.
If you’re voting electronically, double, even triple-check every vote before submitting, even if you have an option to vote straight ticket. There have been cases where this doesn’t work as expected. If you can’t find your party candidate, make sure to check the next page as there have also been glitches (at least in my state) that push the Democratic candidate after the massive list of independent candidates.
If you’re voting on paper, check every side of every page to avoid missing any votes.
And most importantly, offer to take your friends, family, or co-workers with you to vote if they weren’t already planning to go.
