November 4th—what kind of day is that likely to be in your area? For many of us, it may mean a chilly, rainy day. For others, snow and ice are a concern. In some places it may actually be hot and finding shade may matter. Our point is to plan ahead and be prepared for any weather. While it’s exciting and wonderful for the democratic process that so many new voters are expected to show up on Election Day, that fact—combined with a predicted big turnout of seasoned voters—means a potential for long lines at your polling place.
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This is simple, but every year people miss out on voting because they don’t have proper identification with them when they show up at their polling place. Some states require a picture ID card, and if you have one that’s a great thing to have with you. Also bring your Voter Registration Card and/or any other documentation you received when you registered to vote. It’s always good to be prepared just in case your name can’t be found on the rolls at your polling place. Especially if you only registered fairly recently or are a first time voter, bring whatever proof you have that shows you really did register to vote.
The Fine Print
In no state is a voter who cannot produce identification supposed to be turned away from the polls—all states have some sort of recourse for voters without identification to cast a vote.
However, in Georgia and Indiana, voters without ID vote a provisional ballot, and must return to election officials within a few days and show a photo ID in order for their ballots to be counted. Here’s a chart of state-by-state specifics on what forms of identification are acceptable and the options available to voters who cannot present identification.
The second critical error is not knowing where to go to vote
Please don’t wait until Election Day to start trying to find out. Phone calls on that day may go unanswered at polling places or election headquarters due to overwhelm. You should have received notice of where to vote in the mail, but if you did not, first try to find out online. Some states, such as Virginia and Minnesota, have websites just for this purpose. Or go directly to this site which is supposed to list all polling places. If that fails, do call your county board of elections well ahead of time to find out. They’ll be listed in the front of your phone book in the blue pages in the COUNTY section, perhaps as Board of Elections or perhaps under the County Auditor’s listing.
Happy–and kind–voting!
One of the kindest things you can do for others is to help them exercise their right to vote.
Nearly everyone knows someone with some sort of challenge when it comes to getting their vote cast. Consider these Election Day scenarios and note which ones you could take action on:
• Senior citizens could use a ride to the polls. If the weather is bad, perhaps you could hold their place in line until just before it’s time to go in. This might require two people (children make great runners!) or a cell phone to let your friends know it’s time to come to the head of the line.
• Busy moms may need a babysitter so they can go vote. Be prepared to stay as long as it takes.
• Physically challenged neighbors may need all kinds of assistance in casting their vote. Check with the polling place to be sure it’s accessible and see what special provisions are being made for the specific situation you are helping with.
• Rouse the tired and uninvolved. Historically, the number of registered voters who do not actually vote has been appalling. Vow to remind all your friends and family the day before (November 3rd)—and ask what you could do to help ensure they make it to vote.
• Perhaps you could do some errands for a friend or neighbor so that they’ll have time to vote. Taking their dog to the vet may not seem too relevant, but anything that helps someone vote is worth the effort. Commit to doing whatever it takes to see even one more vote cast in this critical election.
• The day before the election, remind your co-workers to vote. Offer to cover their phone or desk if they’re able to vote during the day.
• If you live on a street that gets a fair amount of traffic, consider putting up non-partisan yard signs to remind your neighbors to vote. On Nov. 3, you could have one that reads: Tomorrow is the Big Day—Be Sure To Vote! Then on Election Day, you could put up one that reads: VOTE TODAY! VOTE KINDLY.
One of the nice bonuses of helping your friends and neighbors in this way is the opportunity it creates to get to know them better. Make it a fun outing, a festive occasion. Think of voting as a civic celebration rather than a civic duty. Perhaps you can go out for a snack or meal afterwards to increase the sociability of the activity. Seniors, in particular, welcome a change of pace.
