Voting is your right as a U.S. citizen and making your voice heard is critical to our democracy. By exercising your right to vote, you empower yourself, support your community, and ensure that your voice is heard by those seeking to represent you.
Find out when your next election or special election is by typing in your home zipcode at www.vote.org. Then mark your calendar! This year’s General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. You’ll have the opportunity to vote for President, Congressional representatives, state representatives, and local offices, maybe more! Consider voting early or by mail if your state allows. Find the most up-to-date and state specific information at www.vote.org.
It is very important to vote this year, but not just for president. So many local candidates, important community initiatives, and state-wide positions get decided each election. Make sure you and your community members are registered to vote and have a plan of when and how to vote.
Every U.S. citizen can register to vote and vote in federal, state, and local elections. Register ahead of deadlines and re-register when you move. Contact your local elections administrator if you have questions. Learn more about when to vote and your voting location at www.vote.org.
DID YOU KNOW? Refugees can apply for a green card after living in the United States for one year. After living in the United States for a total of five years, green card holders can apply for citizenship. Every U.S. citizen can register to vote and vote in federal, state, and local elections. Make sure to register ahead of deadlines and re-register when you move. Read more to learn how, when, and where to vote today! Click to learn how to apply for a green card, apply for citizenship, and make sure you are registered to vote!
Find your precinct and polling place at www.vote.org/polling-place-locator or check on your voter card. Each state has different requirements, so check your state’s laws to make sure to bring what you need (example: some require a government-issued ID) and arrive at your polling place during the designated hours.
If you are voting in-person, it is best to vote early to avoid crowds, so check out if and when your state offers early voting options. If you can only vote on Election Day, try to vote at a time of day when your precinct is less likely to be crowded, perhaps in the early morning or mid-afternoon, to avoid the after-work rush. Some polling places will offer curb-side voting, where you can vote from your car. Call your county election administrator ahead of time to see if they offer curbside voting.
Voting is a fundamental right you have as a U.S. citizen. However, it is far from the only way to participate in our democracy; it’s not even the only way to participate in elections.
In the U.S. elections are run by staff, candidates, volunteers, neighbors, friends, and family. You can support specific candidates by donating time, resources, or financial assistance as a U.S. citizen. Or, you can support the election process generally by volunteering to be a poll worker or drive neighbors to the polls on the election day! There are so many ways to get involved to help others exercise their right to vote too.
Text 3 people you’re close with this week:
“Hey, I just registered to vote for the election at www.vote.org and it was super easy! I’m voting to ensure that issues I care about are heard and reflected in who represents us at the state and national level. Are you registered to vote yet?”
First-timer: Volunteer to text and call voters in your neighborhood to help them register to vote and turn out on election day too!
Beginner: Contact your current state and federal representatives to ask about their support for issues important to you and share their response with others.
Pro: Volunteer as a poll worker with your county election administrator, join a local coalition to protect voters’ rights, and/or report any voter intimidation or suppression by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
Federal elections include voting for President every four years, one representative every two years, and two senators every six years. State and local elections vary by location and are for the governor, state legislators, mayor, county executives, district attorneys, and city council members. Typically, elections are held in early November, although local elections, primaries, special elections and ballot measures – when voters approve or reject certain laws – can take place anytime. “Primary elections” take place a before “General elections”, during which voters can choose which candidates should represent their specific party. In some states, you have to be registered with a particular party in order to vote in primary elections.
You can request or view your sample ballot from your county election administrator or from non-profit organizations like vote411.org before you vote so you can research the candidates.
Some states will mail a sample ballot or you can find yours by entering your address here. You are allowed to mark this up and take this with you when you vote. You can also request or view your sample ballot from your county election administrator or from non-profit organizations like vote411.org before you vote so you can research the candidates.
Learn more about how to vote early here or find your polling location and hours based on your address here. Be sure to go during the designated hours.
If you need transportation to get to your polling place, schedule a carpool with family and friends, or see if ride-share services, such as Lyft, are offering special discounts for the election.
No, your vote is always private and you don’t have to share that information with anyone if you don’t want to.
If they are citizens, over the age of 18, and registered to vote in time, yes! Check your state registration requirements to make sure your family members are eligible and registered. Take every eligible voter with you when you go to vote and encourage them to vote too!
Voting for people who share your values and care about similar issues is a good place to start. Ask officials and candidates questions about their support for refugees during virtual candidate forums and town halls. Here are some ideas:
Post questions and issues that you care about on candidates’ social media profiles and ask for them to respond. Your candidates, just like your elected officials, should be held accountable for their words, promises, and actions. Do some research before you cast your vote!
No one should tell you how to vote – you can decide that for yourself and you don’t have to tell anyone who you are voting for or why. To help you make your decision, you can find a voting guide, sample ballots, and learn more about candidates’ positions on issues you care about www.voiceforrefuge.org. We regularly endorse candidates we have researched and confirmed support refugees and immigrants. Maybe one of our endorsed candidates is on your ballot! This can give you a place to start.
©2020 Voice for Refuge Action FundP.O. Box 1933 | 28606 Phillips Street Elkhart, IN 46515
574-264-3102 • info@voiceforrefuge.org
