Get Ready to Vote!
At Galvanize USA, we believe in civic engagement that happens all year, every year. But we only get an opportunity to vote and make our voices heard directly every so often! The midterm elections are coming up fast, so it’s time to make sure we’re all eligible and prepared to cast a vote. Take a look at the Vote Your Way Checklist we’re sharing with our incredible digital community and get ready to vote with all of us!
Step one: get registered!
Being registered to vote is essential to making voting day a cinch. Check to see if you’re registered and if you’re not, make sure you get it all squared away before voting day. And while you’re at it, do you know anyone who has moved recently? Shoot them a text to make sure they’re registered at their new digs.
Pro-Tip: Check your state for voter registration deadlines as every state is different.
Step two: know where to go.
Before you put the car in drive and head to the polls, make sure you know where you’re going. Polling places can change from election cycle to election cycle, so have your location info handy and know the exact address. Not sure where to go? Use this polling place locator.
Pro-Tip: if parking seems like it might be an issue, try and scout out a spot or side street you could park on prior to arrival.
Step three: have your research handy (and maybe a snack).
From the issues you care about to the candidates you’re excited to vote for, bring a handy and helpful fact sheet you can reference while voting in the booth. Lines can be long, so prep for some time waiting. Check your local laws before sharing though—in some places like Georgia it can be illegal to give away food or water at the polls.
Step four: can we see some ID?
Some states require voters to bring their ID with them when they show up to vote. Check to see if your state is one of them and make sure you have what you need!
Step five: bring a friend.
Voting can be a great social activity with your community! Bring your partner, a friend, maybe even a coworker! The more, the merrier.
Pro-tip: Not everyone has an easy way to get to the polls, so go the extra mile by scheduling a carpool with friends or family. Planning a group outing is an effective way to help yourself and others to make sure they get their vote in, too. Karaoke carpool, anyone?
Step six: vote!
Do what you came to do—share your voice. Voting Day is what democracy looks like – people coming together to vote their way – and you’re a person who stands up for change, no matter what gets in your way (even traffic!).
After you’ve voted, take a moment to celebrate yourself (and a functioning democracy)! Voting is a big deal and you should be proud of yourself for doing it (plus all the friends you spotted on Instagram with their “I Voted” stickers). Take a moment to celebrate that you took time out of your busy day to exercise your rights. You crushed it! Slice of celebratory pie, anyone?
