The Disproven Arguments Against Early Voting
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Disproven Arguments Against Early Voting

It is not fair to attempt to take time away from the American people when deciding our country's leaders.

146
The Disproven Arguments Against Early Voting
orlandoweekly

The opportunity to early vote is legal and available in 33 states, plus Washington, D.C. The benefits of the existence of early voting easily benefits people at any stage of life. For college students, the glory of early voting is that typically, an early voting precinct will be set up on or near their designated college campus. Early voting typically lasts at least a week before Election Day, and versus having to go on one specific day, college students can go and vote whenever it is convenient for them in their busy schedule. Also, when early voting, one is not restricted to go to their assigned precinct, which is not always convenient for the average voter. During early voting, one is able to go to any precinct hosting early voting. Also, early voting dates ease the long lines of Election Day voting, as well as shorter lines on actual early voting days. This is convenient for the elderly and/or disabled. Also, for the working class, early voting days can be worked around with a daily work schedule.

With the benefits of early voting, there is also going to be some blowback in regards to American citizens having the choice to vote before November 8th. A more recent argument from the North Carolina Republican Committee arguing against early voting is that "early voters could die before election day." However, this assumption is not even correct. There is a specific state law in place, requiring citizens to be alive on Election Day in order for their votes to be counted. This law is even enforced because all early voting ballots are done on retrievable ballots, and in the event of an early voting citizen passing away prior to Election Day, the county board of elections is notified by the Social Security Administration, or the Registrar of Deeds. When this message is passed along, the ballot is simply removed.

Another argument against early voting is that voters will make uneducated, snap decisions prematurely. John McGinnis, a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, claimed, “People will be able to vote when the mood strikes them—after seeing an inflammatory ad, for example. Voting then becomes an incoherent summing of how various individuals feel at a series of moments, not how the nation feels at a particular moment.” This argument towards early voting in itself is extremely inaccurate. No one is forcing you to make a snap decision on the next political leaders and forcing you into the polls on an early voting day. No one is making it a requirement for one to vote before Election Day. Early voting is simply an option for people, and the fact that the early voting period stretches on for a week or more is even more helpful. American citizens can educate themselves over a span of time before going to the polls for any of the available early voting days. If anything, only having just one voting day would most likely evoke people to vote more quickly than what they would be comfortable with.

Early voting has proven to be efficient for a multitude of reasons, no matter what stage of life in which someone is in. Nobody should have to be asked to put their life on hold, or drastically readjust their daily lifestyle to decide local and/or national leaders. One's mindset should be as clear and relaxed as possible when entering the polls and making such fragile and imperative decisions about those who are going to represent the American people. Every vote does count, and the only way to prevent people from making hastily thoughtless decisions on the ballot is to give the people as much time as they need.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

43215
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

117128
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments