The 2020 Presidential Election: How To Ensure Your Vote Counts
Ensure your vote counts towards the 2020 presidential election by following the guidelines below. Voting is vital in deciding America’s future, and the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t the only obstacle voters will need to overcome.
Additionally, voters must maneuver around Trump’s threats to hinder the vote-by-mail ballot system. Despite Trump’s tantrums, the 2020 presidential election persists and voting by mail is a viable option.
As 43% of registered voters chose not to vote in the 2016 presidential election, it’s important to make your voice heard and ensure your vote counts in 2020.
Register To Vote
For your vote to count in the 2020 presidential election, many states require you to register at least one month prior to November 3. Some states require earlier registration, and you can find this information on the U.S. Vote Foundation’s website.
Registering to vote is a fairly simple online process and only requires about five minutes to complete. You can register to vote using your driver’s license, state ID card or SSN.
If your location changed before the election date, you’ll need to register under your new address. This will ensure you can vote at your new residence rather than your home state.
To check the status of your voter’s registration, go to Rock the Vote’s website and enter your name, birthday and address.
Research Your State’s Voting Requirements
It’s important to research your state’s voting requirements to ensure your vote counts towards the 2020 presidential election. If you’re considering voting by mail, you’ll need to know what steps to take to cast a valid vote.
Some states are sending absentee ballots to every registered voter’s address, and some states are sending ballot request applications. Additionally, some states are doing neither and require voters to proactively request ballots.
If your state sends ballots, make sure you know what dates to expect them at your doorstep. If you need to request a ballot, do so as soon as possible to avoid casting a late vote.
By checking with your local board of elections office, you’ll learn what your state’s requirements are, and what you’ll need to vote by mail for the 2020 presidential election.
Diligently Follow The Ballot’s Instructions To Vote
You must diligently follow the absentee ballot’s instructions to ensure your vote counts towards the 2020 presidential election. Carelessly completing the ballot will surly get your vote tossed in the gutter, so you’ll want to read the instructions carefully.
Don’t pitch that envelope- your ballot needs to be sealed and mailed in the same envelope it arrived in. This helps officials ensure it’s a real ballot. Additionally, most states require you to sign the back of the envelope, and some states require witnesses.
Be sure to research your state’s ballot requirements and correctly complete it to ensure your vote counts towards the 2020 presidential election.
You Can Still Vote In-Person For The 2020 Election
Sure, it may not look the same, but you can still vote in-person for the 2020 presidential election.
You’ll want to locate your polling station before voting in-person this year, as many previous locations are no longer viable. Many schools and nursing homes are no longer hosting voters as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rampage our country.
Be prepared to wait longer than usual to cast your vote due to new social distancing measures.
You can also register to vote early in-person, but you’ll need to check your state’s guidelines on how to register. Several states won’t allow you to vote by mail without a non-pandemic excuse, including Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and New York.
Take A Deep Breath- Counting Votes Will Take Time
Relax, election officials warn there may be delays when counting mail-in ballots. The delays shouldn’t be a cause for concern, and shouldn’t deter you from voting by mail.
So, if you want your vote to count towards the 2020 presidential election, you’ll need to do some research. Decide how you want to vote, and then research how your state wants you to vote. Understand that this process is time-consuming, and the earlier you try to vote- the better.
2 Comments