The Midterm Election coming up on November 3 is an exciting opportunity for young women to make their voices heard. But if you’re 18 and new to voting, you may have some questions. Even if you’re under 18, it’s never too early to learn about elections. This is the Smart Girl’s Guide to Voting, which will help you prep for the polls.
What are the Midterms?
Presidential elections happen every four years, while Midterm elections take place two years later. Earlier this year, primary elections helped decide which candidates would run in the Midterms. Congress, the legislative branch of government, includes 100 senators and 435 members of the House of Representatives. These leaders help create laws and make important decisions for the country.
During Midterm elections, voters pick all 435 members of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate. But that’s not all! Depending on where you live, you might also vote for governor, local leaders, judges, and even on important issues that could affect your community.
Why Vote?
Know Your State
The voting process and requirements can vary A LOT by state, so check your state’s website (type in the name of your state followed by “.gov”) so you know what to expect. The laws in the state you live in affect whether you can vote early, register to vote on election day, and much more! Vote411.org has a chart that makes it easy to compare voting rules by state.
Register to Vote
In order to vote in any U.S. elections, including the midterms, you must first register to vote. You can check your voter registration status here. You don’t have to register every single time you vote- you just have to do it once. But be sure to update your registration if you ever move or change your name.
In some states like Alabama, the voter registration deadline for the Midterms has already passed. If you didn’t register by the deadline, don’t panic. You can still make an impact by sharing your voice and encouraging others to vote. And you can still register now so you’ll be ready for the next election.
Do your Research
Before you vote, know what’s on the ballot. Learn about the candidates and key issues so you’ll feel prepared when you hit the polls. If you plan to vote in-person, you can view or fill out a sample ballot ahead of time to help you prep. You should also know your polling place, which depends on where you live. Decide what time of day you’re going to go, and how you’ll get there. If you know you’ll be out of town on election day, you might be able to request an absentee ballot if your state allows it.
Rock the Ballot
Whether you vote early or on November 3, by mail or in-person, we hope you’ll feel relaxed and confident. If you need help, have a question, or run into a problem, talk to a poll worker or call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Young women across the country deserve a say in the big decisions that impact their communities. Even if you’re a teen or tween under 18, you can and should stay informed on what’s going on in your country. You can still make a difference by encouraging others to vote, sharing your voice on the issues you care about, or volunteering with a political campaign.
Want to read more about voting? Check out another great post here!
