This election it is crucial that each person uses their vote to make their voice heard.
While voting can be overwhelming, especially for new voters, choosing not to vote gives your power to others. The US Census Bureau found that less than 50% of voters age 18 to 29 exercised their right in the 2016 election.
As Dr. Bruce Thompson, Chair of Social Sciences and Education at F.C.C., said “‘We the people’ means that we have the power,” and a great “responsibility”. This means that “the people” need to “understand the issues,” do research, and “engage with our representatives.”
Here are some easy steps to get voting:
- Get informed
- Make a plan
- Vote!
Get informed.
There are many resources for voters new and old to be informed about candidates, policies, and how to take action in your community. One wants someone who will represent their ideals.
For the state of Maryland, there is an official website that details how you can vote as well as who will be on the ballot. Important information, such as deadlines and election candidates, can all be found at Elections.Maryland.gov.
Ballotpedia is a great source to draw from if you have questions about election candidates, voting methods, and information about policies and parts of government. They also offer a ballot tool, so to see what a ballot in one’s own state will look like.
For a more in depth look at local politics, check out the League of Women Voters of Frederick County. They simply explain relevant voting topics and have resources to help find local electives. Additionally, this group makes it easy to find ways in which you can take action in your own community.
Make a plan
After doing research, it’s best to make sure the voting process goes as smoothly as possible.
First, figure out which voting option works best for you. In this crazy time, keeping yourself and others healthy is important. There are two socially distant options, mailing in or dropping off a ballot, and the traditional in person voting booths.
Each voting age resident of Maryland should have received a mail in ballot to make it easier for those who need it to vote remotely. If choosing this option, it is important to note that mail in ballots should be mailed back or dropped off early because of the influx of ballots this election. Ballots can also be turned in directly to a USPS post office.
At polls, early voting in Maryland starts October 26th, so it’s important to figure out where your local polling place is. Most likely, the lines and wait times will be long this election. Try to arrive at the polls early, if possible, and be sure to check the opening and closing times of the location.
It should be noted: It is your right to cast your vote if you are still in line at the time of closing. If you run into any problems at the polls, the Election Protection Hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) has trained professionals who are available to help.
Vote
As Alexander Hamilton once said, “voting at elections is one of the most important rights… That portion of the sovereignty, to which each individual is entitled, can never be too highly prized. It is that for which we have fought and bled.”
The most important part of the election is to cast your vote! At the end of the (election) day, everyone must make a choice of what to do with their vote. They can let their voices be heard or submit their power to someone else’s choice.
As Dr. Thompson said, “The work of democracy is never ending, but it makes a difference.”
