Let’s Make A Voting Plan
Even for seasoned voters voting can be an overwhelming, confusing and dislocating experience. New polling locations, ballot referendums, parking, candidates on the ballot you’ve never heard of and have no idea what they stand for — it can be a lot. But! It doesn’t have to be. With just a little bit of pre-planning you can make the whole experience empowering and exciting. We’ve got you.
Check to see if you can vote early! If you can, pick a time and date that is convenient for you because voting should be an empowering experience! Usually early voting has no or very short lines- so this is a great option if you want to swing by the polls on your way to work!
Get address specific voting information! Check to see where you vote, what you need (like a photo ID) and any other important information customized to your address, seriously. Thanks, Vote 411!
If you want, you can do a drive by of the polling location to check out parking.
If you need photo ID make sure yours is up to date and not expired, make sure you know where it is, too!
Read up on your ballot! Find out who and what referendums are on your ballot and do some research. You can bring paper notes into the voting booth, but cell phones aren’t always welcome, so go old school and hand write or print out your notes!
Check your polling location hours and think about the best time to vote for you, early morning is usually less busy and takes less time. If you can try and leave time for lines or unexpected delays - this isn’t always possible but remember if you are in line WHEN the polls close do not leave, you have the right to vote.
Download the Voting Plan Worksheet, print it out, fill it out and bring it with you to the polls!
Major shout out to Vote 411 for so many helpful links, tools and info!