Voting 101, Supported by MitzVote
How do you register to vote? Where do you vote if you’re registered in a different state than where you go to college? Can anyone register to vote by mail? Do you have to bring an ID to a polling station? These questions and others may make figuring out how to vote as a college student feel daunting and overwhelming.
But as this election season kicks into high gear, MitzVote – Hillel International’s nonpartisan initiative to provide Jewish college students with the education and resources they need to mobilize and vote in elections – can help. The first step to casting your vote (yay, democracy!) is making a plan. Here’s how to get started.
- Find out when elections are being held.
While the upcoming U.S. presidential election will be held on November 5, it may not be the only one you can participate in. In fact, November isn’t even the only time of year that elections take place. From local and state to federal-level elections, we’ve created an easy tool to help you find out when all elections near you are being held — just plug in your address to get started. - Register to vote or check your voter registration status.
After finding when your elections are being held, it’s important to verify your voter registration status online or through local election offices to ensure you are able to participate in upcoming elections.
Extra tip: If you’re currently registered to vote in your home state but want to vote in the state where you go to school, make sure you check the eligibility requirements, and that you have enough time to update your voter registration status. - Decide how you’re going to cast your vote.
Depending on your state laws, there are lots of ways to vote, from mail-in ballots to in-person early voting and in-person day-of voting. Here are some tips for navigating which option is the best fit for you.
Extra tip: Planning to vote in person? Make it an outing! Find a few friends and invite them to come along… and of course, make sure they’re ready to cast their votes, too! - Vote!
Do the thing! And make sure to celebrate after. You exercised your right to vote, and played an important part in our democratic process!
Already registered to vote, checked that your registration is up-to-date, and made your voting plan? There are still a ton of ways you can get involved and help make a difference this election season. From hosting a MitzVote Shabbat to writing letters to poll workers (they deserve all the thank-you notes in the world!) to helping register voters, MitzVote has everything you need to get started. Make your plan and join the MitzVote movement today.