There are many things that you can do to get ready for November that have nothing to do with arguing over whose comb-over is worse. Check out these fifteen things that you can do to make sure you are as prepared as possible to vote for our next prez.
1. Register to vote.
If you don't do this. You literally have no voice and all is for naught.
2. Gab with your friends.
Hearing different opinions about the election might make you angry or put you on the defensive, but honest conversation is one of the best ways to increase your knowledge base and actually know what you're talking about.
3. Drop your parent's perspective.
It's not cool anymore to wear what your dad wears or steal your mom's lipstick and smear it all over your Barbies, so stop doing it with political affiliation. Be rebellious! Be yourself! Discover what you want.
4. Check the facts for yourself. 5. Ask yourself: "Would I stand behind this person's actions?"
If you can't stand behind someone's actions, what are they doing getting your vote in the first place?
6. Ask yourself: "Would this person stand behind my actions?"
If the person you're wanting to vote for wouldn't personally support you, then what are they doing getting your vote either?
7. Actually check out the policies the running mates are talking about.
Each website of the running mates has their policies available to read. So when one says "I'm going to change this by....." and you miss it completely because you were refilling your wine glass, read up on what they are actually saying they'll change.
8. Watch the debates.
We all have that one friend who chimes in during a heated discussion and has no clue as to what the heck it is actually about. Don't be this person.
9. Flip through the news channels.
Each channel has their bias! Watch a couple of them or flip through as you're watching to make sure that you're getting the most accurate information.
10. Register to vote.
Seriously, have you done that yet?
11. Ask yourself: "If I had a son/daughter, would this person's actions put them in a place to succeed and achieve to the best of their ability?"
Much of the policy change will spend years in congress being amended and edited, so having a future-focused perspective for some of the policies is crucial because it might not even effect you right away.
12. Let go of your typical party ideas and what each should stand for.
I have a friend who says: "It all comes out in the wash."
She's right. These days, being Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, or whoever you identify with is getting harder and harder to determine. The waters are getting murky. We're all wanting "bi-partisan" traits so just let go of clinging to one or the other and actually listen to the arguments being made.
13. Aren't satisfied with Trump or Clinton? Check out your other options.
Surprise! There's other options! More people are running than just Hillary and Trump! Google it and find out.
14. Listen to other people's conversations about this election.
Sometimes being a listener is the most powerful tool in your toolbox. You can learn things about topics that you never would have if you opened your mouth. Practice this and see if you can gain some new insight.
15. Double check that you're registered to vote.
Double, triple, and quadruple check. Nothing matters if you're not even registered.
