10 Tips For First-Time Voters
Start writing a post
Politics

Prepare Yourself For The Upcoming Election With These 10 Tips if You're Old Enough To Vote

This one is for the newly registered voters who are excited for their new found voice but also find themselves lost.

97
statue of liberty
Instagram

Voting can be a very confusing process, especially if it's your first time. So here are a few things you should know before hitting the polls.

1. Register to vote!

Your vote matters. Complete the voter registration form and send it in. If you haven't sent it in yet, you will not be able to vote in the primaries considering you are required to register 30 days prior. But, you will definitely be able to vote in the general election so do it!

2. Look up your personalized ballot.

Look up a personalized ballot by simply inputting your address. The ballot will show you the candidates in your district. Often times it will also separate them by party. Primaries are not just about voting for a governor. Do not walk into a ballot randomly circling things.

3. Research your candidates.

Advertisements are not research. They are done in favor of the candidate and are completely bias. Look up the candidates on your own and choose the one you believe fits more with your beliefs. Dig deep. Don't just believe what the candidate tells you but rather what they have done. Actions speak louder than words.

4. Have a plan B.

Unfortunately, our candidates don't always win in the primary elections but that's okay because we still have general elections. Do not have your heart set on one individual and then decide not to vote if they lose. Your vote matters.

5. Don't shut the door on canvassers!

Canvassers are people that will go through the streets knocking on your doors, looking to talk to you about politics. Dont shut the door. Listen to what they have to say. If you dont agree then simply let them know you are not interested.

6. Find your polling station.

Everyone has a specific polling station. Make sure to look yours up prior to the election day. Once you know where it is look up the rules and times.

7. Take snacks!

Make sure to take snacks. You never truly know how long the line is gonna be until you get there.

8. Engage with the crowd.

There are many volunteers that set up stations by the polls. Engage with the people around you. Don't be afraid to talk to others. Get to know the people in your community.

9. Don't take your vote for granted!

Voting is our right but we should not take it for granted. Our vote makes a difference so we need to make sure that we understand what our vision is before we walk into a polling station.

10. Always (ALWAYS) vote!

Voting is not just a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please keep yourself updated on any elections coming up. Local and federal voting may have a different value of importance to you but at the end of the day, every vote counts. So get out there and let your voice be heard!

Congratulations on finally having a voice in our democracy. There are many ways to be heard and voting is definitely at the top of the list.

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

90205
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62276
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments