how to actually vote
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Question 1
Are you registered to vote?
Yes, in the same state as my college or where I’m currently living.
Yes, but in a different state than my college or where I’m currently living.
We totally believe you but it doesn’t hurt to double-check here, right?
Let’s confirm that here! In that case you’re going to need to vote absentee. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that!
Next Question ↓
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GLOSSARY
Polling place: a designated location for registered voters to go vote during an election, often schools or community centers.
Voter registration: a requirement that an eligible voter must adhere to in order to be permitted to cast their ballot in local, state, and federal elections.
Early voting: the ability to vote in person before Election Day at a designated early voting location.
Absentee ballot: a vote cast by an eligible voter who is unable to attend their official polling place on Election Day, usually sent by mail.
Down ballot: relating to a role or position that requires voter selection but commonly further down the ballot; often local or low-profile positions with equal importance to federal positions.
Voter ID laws: state-specific laws that may or may not require eligible voters to bring identification to vote in person.
Voting plan: a concept for eligible voters to prepare for casting their vote, including identifying any barriers or roadblocks that may cause them to not be able to cast their vote (access to polling places, early voting and absentee ballot deadlines, available time off to cast their vote, etc.).
Local ballot measures: local laws that need to be voted on by eligible voters directly in order for potential policy changes to pass or fail.
Poll worker: qualified officials residing in the county that are responsible for overseeing a fair and orderly voting experience at their polling place. Volunteer to be a poll worker this Election Day!
THE GEN Z GUIDE TO VOTING
No, I’m not registered to vote.
Honestly, I’m not sure?
Thinking of changing the state where you’re registered to vote? Make sure to check state registration deadlines and requirements here to see if it’s still possible.
Let's get you registered to vote ASAP here! Literally just do it right now. Not sure why voting matters? Learn about the importance of making your voice heard here.
No problem! Check your registration status here and if it turns out you’re not yet registered, you can take care of it right now at the same link!
In person on election day!
Through early voting in person.
Via absentee ballot/vote-by-mail.
TBH, I haven’t figured that out just yet.
You’re in your “I Voted” sticker era. Let’s find your polling place here so you know where to go!
Huge — early voting is so important, especially for busy college students. Let’s find out where and by what date you need to vote early here.
Let’s check your state’s resources here to make sure you’re eligible to vote absentee (or “by mail”) — it differs state to state! Click here to request an absentee ballot now and add deadlines to your cal so you don’t forget.
Check your state’s cut-off dates for voting so you don't miss a deadline. If you’re voting IRL on Nov. 5, find your polling place. You can also vote early or by mail (if your state offers it) or request an absentee ballot too.
Question 2
How do you plan on voting?
Next Question ↓
Yes, I think so!
I’m not sure!
I don’t think I have what I need!
I’m good — I’m voting by mail.
OK good! You can double-check here.
No problem! Learn about your state’s voter ID requirements here!
Don’t worry! Let’s confirm your state’s voter ID laws here and if you don't have what you need, VoteRiders can help you get what you need here!
You may still need to provide some identification with your mail-in ballot! Double check your state's ID requirements here.
Question 3
Do you know what the voter ID requirements are for your state & do you have what you need?
Next Question ↓
You’re busy, we get it! Finding time in your schedule is just one of the many reasons to vote early, especially for college students who may not be able to get to your polling place on Election Day.
Never got your driver’s license? Don’t worry! VoteRiders offers voter ID assistance to get you the documentation you need to vote, even if you don’t have a driver’s license or passport in states that require specific identification.
Where to go to vote or drop off your ballot?
How to properly fill out your ballot?
When to vote or drop your ballot off by?
This is great, but I'm voting in person on Election Day.
Find out how your state runs early voting here and your options for dropping off your ballot here.
Put your colorful gel pens away! Your ballot will confirm what type of writing utensil to use to make sure your vote counts. For other rules and requirements by state, click here.
Click here to find all key dates for early voting and here for mail-in voting. Voting early or by mail means you’re holding yourself accountable to meet these deadlines like your GPA depends on it.
Well, you’re going to love the next question!
Question 4
Voting early or by absentee/mail-in ballot? Do you know…
Next Question ↓
Before you vote — on Election Day, early, or by mail — remember this: Change starts locally and it is *crucial* that you know how to vote up and down the ballot. Learn about your local measures here so that you’re not in for any surprises when it’s time to vote.
Where you are going to vote?
How you are getting there?
What time you’re going to vote?
I’m realizing I don’t have a plan to make it work!
Let’s confirm your polling place here — and make sure to put the location in your calendar now so you don’t forget!
Good news — there are a ton of rideshare discounts offered on Election Day. Check them out here.
You've got Nov. 5 on your cal already, right? Let's go a step further and block off time so you're not double-booked. Bonus: Check your polling place's hours here.
You already have your polling place, but need help getting there? Find discounted rideshare offers here. We’ve even created some email templates for you to use if you need to miss work or class.
Question 5
Voting in person on Election Day? Let’s make your day-of plan now. Do you know…
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You DID It! you now know...
how to actually vote!
Gen Z will play a monumental role in this election and by using our guide you've taken an important step in making your voice heard.
Click here to download a graphic you can share to encourage others to do the same. Tag @hercampus and use #HowToActuallyVote to be featured on Her Campus.
how to actually vote
Want more? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below to find personalized voting resources, key dates, and more information about your local ballot.
For more election-related content, check out Her Campus's 2024 Election hub. Want to learn about your local ballot? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below the glossary for more personalized voting resources.
Look, we get it — even with all the noise around the election and how determined you are to make your voice heard, you may realize you’re still left with questions about voting at this point in the race (especially if you’re a college or Gen Z first-time voter). And that’s completely understandable.
That’s why Her Campus is launching How To Actually Vote, a simple, straightforward guide to make voting as a college student crystal clear. Answer a few questions and you’ll get relevant, step-by-step guidance, helpful resources, and tips to ensure you know exactly how to cast your vote. (Plus, a glossary to finally break down all the terms and phrases that get thrown around!)
Let’s dive in so you can make sure you know how to actually vote.
Look, we get it — even with all the noise around the election and how determined you are to make your voice heard, you may realize you’re still left with questions about voting at this point in the race (especially if you’re a college or Gen Z first-time voter). And that’s completely understandable.
That’s why Her Campus is launching How To Actually Vote, a simple, straightforward guide to make voting as a college student crystal clear. Answer a few questions and you’ll get relevant, step-by-step guidance, helpful resources, and tips to ensure you know exactly how to cast your vote. (Plus, a glossary to finally break down all the terms and phrases that get thrown around!)
Let’s dive in so you can make sure you know how to actually vote.
For more election-related content, check out Her Campus's 2024 Election hub. Want to learn about your local ballot? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below the glossary for more personalized voting resources.
Want more? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below to find personalized voting resources, key dates, and more information about your local ballot.
Tell us your voting plan here for a chance to win $1,000! Terms and conditions apply.