The Villanova Student's Guide to Voting
By Mary Skobieranda
Election day—November 3rd—is rapidly approaching. Recently, it feels as if there is a total inundation of information about how to vote, where to vote, why to vote, and everything else you could possibly want to know. If you’re like me, this abundance of information can seem a bit overwhelming and often confusing, coming from a multitude of places with tons of dates and deadlines. As college students, a number of us are participating in the election process for the first or second time. So, let’s make it less daunting! There are plenty of actionable resources that simplify the process.
1. Check your Voter Registration Status
On this website, you can select your state and enter some personal information to check your voter registration status. Make sure you double check that you have registered to vote and that all of your information is accurate and up to date. If you’re an out of state student at Villanova who is registered to vote in PA, remember that your address can change based on your dorm or off-campus location.
2. If you’re not registered yet, act fast! Check the deadline for your state’s registration.
If you’re voting in Pennsylvania, the deadline to register is October 19th. If you’re unsure when you must be registered by, this graphic gives you a great representation of everything you could ever need to know regarding voter registration. Additionally, some states have different deadlines depending on your form of voting, in person or by mail. If you missed the deadline, the graphic will also show you if same day registration is permitted within your state.
3. If you’re voting by mail, check the deadline to return your mail-in ballot.
The above website also includes a feature to understand the timeline you must follow in requesting and returning a ballot when voting by mail. It is recommended that you both request and return your ballot at the earliest opportunity, to ensure that your vote is able to count. This year, there is no excuse needed in a majority of states to vote by mail.
4. If you’re voting in person, check your polling place’s location.
This website allows you to enter your address by state so that you can check where to show up on election day. It’s super simple, but easy to forget to check this until you’re halfway out the door on your way to vote.
5. Last but not least, do your research!
Enter your voting address into this website and you can research your ballot depending on location. This voter guide is extremely helpful, as it provides you with every single federal and state position that is up for re-election and the candidates who are running. You can even save these choices within the website and have them emailed or printed, ready for election day.
Remember, your vote matters. Don’t let the flood of information get in the way from having a say in the election process. As college students, we can make a big difference in this year’s election. So read up on the candidates, develop your personal stance on important issues and policies, and make sure this November that your voice is heard.
