Election day is Nov. 5, do you have a plan to vote?

As a college student, voting can often get forgotten. Sometimes figuring out the deadlines to register and the process of securing an absentee ballot can be confusing and varies by state. But it is so important to make a plan to vote and make your voice heard. There are a lot of important issues on the ballot, not just because it is a presidential election year, but also in your local/state elections. The deadline to register in Alabama is Oct. 21 and the absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 29! This blog should catch you up to speed to get you set to cast your vote on election day.

Check Your Voter Registration

To vote, you must be registered. It is easy to check if you are registered by visiting your state’s voter page or checking on www.vote.org or vote.gov/register. It is important to check your registration to make sure it is up to date and all details are current. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person (depending on your state’s requirements). After confirming your registration, you will be mailed a voter registration card. This registration card is not required to be presented on election day, just simply present a form of ID.

Make A Plan to Vote

Based on your state's deadlines, create a plan for election day. Whether you decide to vote early in person, on election day, or via absentee ballot, be aware of the timeline so you are prepared (you can find state-specific details at www.usvotefoundation.org). Voting early is a great way to check it off your to-do list and accommodate any delays on election day. Absentee voting is the easiest way for college students to vote. Absentee voting is great for non-residents, so they do not have to drive/fly home to vote in person.

Requesting An Absentee Ballot

Absentee voting (aka “mail-in voting”) is conducted by mail-in ballot prior to Election Day. To receive an absentee ballot, you must request one online or by mail depending on state/county requirements (https://www.vote.org/absentee-voting-rules/ provides details on your state deadlines and rules). Request your ballot as soon as possible to avoid missing the cutoff. Also, if your state provides email tracking for your ballot, sign up to make sure you are updated about the arrival and delivery of your ballot. As someone who has voted by mail several times, the earlier the better to avoid postage delays and make sure your ballot arrives on time!

Why You Should Vote

Among college students, some feel like their vote doesn't matter or that their vote won't make a difference. There have been several elections determined by a small margin of votes, and one of those could be yours. Your vote is your voice and it is your right to use it! If you do not feel well informed about the issues or the candidates, do your research on their stances and policies. And don’t stop at just the general election, get involved in your local community elections too. Those are just as important, if not more than the general election.

Our voices as college students are so important and need to be heard in elections, especially when there are issues that directly impact us and our futures. Get out and vote this November because your vote is your voice!

Be Well, Auburn.

Additional Resources:
https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student
https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/