Unless a catastrophe strikes in the next 24 hours that could completely shake up the election, our minds have selected one between Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Gary Johnson, or Jill Stein to take the torch from Barack Obama and become our 45th president. Although I am firm behind my candidate of choice, and would love to change some more minds regarding "the Donald," it's not going to happen, and I concede that there's a chance he may win the title. As vile of a creature as this man is, if he gets the most votes, then he simply wins, plain and simple.
This election cycle has been littered with claims of voter fraud and rigging (our two most prominent candidates have been accused of this, Clinton most notably). My only hope is that tomorrow, no one attempts to rig the election in their favor. I can only hope that everything happens fair and square, and that the chosen candidate is truly the choice of the people.
Consider this a checklist of things you should know heading into election day.
1. Make Sure You're Registered to Vote
This is the most obvious piece of advice, but I will still remind you of this. You can't vote if you aren't registered to do so, plain and simple. For me, I was able to register upon receiving a driver's license, but the procedure may vary from state to state.
Most states have a deadline during which you can register, but some places will do you one better, and offer same-day registration. I will go over those particular states in more detail in a moment.
The general procedure is to fill out a registration form. You can download this form online, or for those who lack internet access, you can call your State Board of Elections or your Local Board of Elections, and request a form. Provide all the requested information, including party affiliation, address, and basic information such as name and date of birth. Some applications will also ask if your application is for a new registration, or if something about your registration info has changed (party affiliation, address, etc.).
2. Know What to Bring
This is mostly directed at those who live in states with same-day registration. Same-day registration means you can register to vote up until, and including the day of, the election.
There are fifteen states that offer this: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming (as well as Washington D.C.). If you live in one of these states, you are in massive luck.
I took advantage of this opportunity when the Democratic Caucus came to my town in Maine. The process is not difficult and is usually pretty quick. You just have to remember to bring the right materials.
In order to successfully utilize the opportunity that is same-day registration, you need to have a couple things on hand. First, you need some form of identification. Usually, a driver's license will suffice, though there are other alternatives for people who don't have a license, such as a birth certificate or a passport. This is required in all states when you go to the polls.
Second (you especially need this if you are doing same-day registration), you need proof of residency. Yes, if you are an out of state college student, but you live in the dorms of your school, you are considered a resident, and are eligible to vote. For non-students, a utility bill or bank statement is enough to prove residency.
For students, your options may vary. Your polling place may only require a Student ID to prove residency, you may need to bring a recent envelope or box that has your address written on it. Look into what your school is offering or suggesting: for example, the University of Maine at Farmington is providing dorm residents with letters of verification, stating that they live in the dorms and therefore, are eligible residents. It's much better to be safe than sorry, especially when so much is at stake today.
3. Keep Your State's Laws in Mind
Politics is a topic of discussion that people become passionate about quickly. Friendships can begin and end as a result too, especially in the selection of where to throw your support. I still follow many Bernie Sanders support pages on Facebook, and everyone is fighting over making sure you're properly prepared to vote (which actually means "write in Bernie once you get to the poll").
Do not concern yourself with what people in other states are doing. Do not concern yourself with comments like "but my state lets you do this" or "bro write Bernie in." Stick to what you know. Be sure to ask questions, and follow the rules of your state and your state alone.
Side note: be aware of your state's laws in regards to selfies with your ballot. Too many times, I've seen people get in trouble for posting selfies with their ballot because it's illegal and they didn't even know it. If you plan on posting a photo online, make sure you research beforehand if that's legal in your state or not.
This is a delicate process in which all things must be done correctly. Do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions. If someone at the polls is telling you something that doesn't match up with your research, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Yes, you should follow the rules, but you should also be aware of your rights. If you are following all the rules, then go with your gut when someone tries to deter you. There's too much at stake to sit by and let someone bully you into voting for their candidate.
