With less than 30 days left until Election Day 2020, you may still have questions regarding the voting process and what to expect on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
This election is not only important because it will determine the presidency but there are critical local, congressional and judicial official elections in many states.
If you’ve been out of school for any period of time, you may be like many of us who have forgotten about the three branches of the government. Sing with me “legislative, executive, judicial…”. YelloPain does a better job at this with “My Vote Don’t Count”.
In many states, there is still time to register to vote – here in Pennsylvania, the deadline is Monday, October 19th. In most states, as in PA, you can register online. Your registration, whether online or paper must be received by the registration deadline in order for you to participate in this November election.
Confirm your PA registration status to make sure that you are properly registered. If you live in another state, you can confirm registration at vote.org.
There are various ways to have your voice heard in this election. Despite the misleading information about voting by mail or absentee ballot – it is absolutely safe to do so. If you are concerned about submitting your ballot in the mail, you can take your completed ballot to the local County Board of Elections office for submission.
Vote In Person
- In many states you are not required to have identification or registration card to vote unless it is your first time voting in that jurisdiction. Checking your registration and polling location ahead of time can eliminate any confusion on election day. This list shows which states require ID or some form of proof of identity.
- Waiting lines may be long – taking a snack, water and a stool will help with the wait time.
Vote Provisional Ballot
Most common reasons to cast a provisional ballot include:
- The voter’s name does not appear on the electoral roll for the polling place, because the voter is not registered to vote or is registered to vote elsewhere.
- The voter’s eligibility cannot be established or has been challenged.
- The voter lacks a photo identification document (in jurisdictions that require one).
- The voter requested to vote by absentee ballot but may have not received, or not submitted the absentee ballot.
- The voter’s registration contains inaccurate or outdated information such as the wrong address or a misspelled name.
Vote Absentee Ballot
- This must be requested online or completed through paper registration depending on your state.
- Those who typically request and utilize absentee ballots are: military, those traveling out of the country, those serving as poll workers, imprisoned but able to vote, those who are ill and those who have religious reasons on why they are unable to vote at their polling location to name a few.
- Many Americans voted using an absentee ballot this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
- The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is 10/27/20.
Vote By Mail
- Mail in and absentee voting are often (mis)used interchangeably. There are currently five states—Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and Hawaii that already conduct elections through a mail-in process. Registered voters in these states automatically receive a mail ballot, which is sent to their address before Election Day.
Be sure to double check all deadlines at VotesPA.com or Vote.org
You can also subscribe for election reminders so that you don’t miss dates or deadlines.
Want to be on the frontlines?
- Work the polls and get paid! – Morethanavote.org has information on how to sign-up.
Know that your vote counts!
BONUS: The 2020 Census is happening now. It’s not too late to participate!
Completing the Census is important because it determines the monies that are given to your immediate community in regards to school/education, roads/highways, hospitals/clinics, fire departments and other important services.
To make sure your household is counted, respond online, by phone, or mail by October 31, 2020 – PA Census 2020. If you live outside of Pennsylvania, count your household at 2020 Census.
