Get familiar with what’s on your ballot, find out what identification you need to vote, and make a plan for getting to your polling place.
TL;DR: Before Tuesday, you can view a sample ballot online, look up what ID you need to bring, figure out if you get (paid) time off work to vote, and arrange a discounted ride to your polling place if needed!
Knowing who and what you are voting on *before* you show up to your polling location is super helpful! No one wants to get in there and be unfamiliar with their local candidates or not sure what they think is best for state and local issues (cue sweaty palms and panic 😬). Visit https://www.vote411.org/ballot, type in your address, and see a list of all the candidates running for state and local office as well as any state or local issues up for a vote. Seek out voter guides for additional information and walk into your polling place ready to cast your ballot!
In terms of ID, each state sets its own voter ID rules, and while some don’t require ID at all, other states do require voters to bring identification to vote in-person. Rules can also be different for first time voters. If you aren’t sure what the rules are in your state, visit https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id to see what is required in the state in which you live. As Tuesday approaches, set aside anything you need to bring with you so it is organized and ready to go!
As you make your plan for getting to your polling place, remember you may get (paid) time off work (usually a couple hours) to vote in your state. Check here to find out the rules where you live. If you need a ride to your polling place, Uber and Lyft ride services are offering discounted rides! See here for more info: https://www.uber.com/newsroom/vote-2024/ or https://www.lyft.com/vote. See if anyone else needs a ride too! Or carpool!
If you’ve done all this, then help a neighbor or friend check these things off their list and get ready for Tuesday! Voting is critical to a healthy democracy, a healthy nation, and the health of our communities. Let’s do this!
