The 2020 election season is certainly reflecting the theme of 2020 with many unknowns and deep concern regardless of party allegiances. The good news is that people are exercising their rights by registering to vote and then either voting early (with over 11 million votes cast early to date!) or choosing to vote on Election Day itself.
Got Questions? Get Answers.
When it comes down to voting, each state is its own jurisdiction and each county has its own rules as well. The go-to spot to get an answer that you can rely on with certainty is your local election board. They are the officials with the answers. Typical answers can be found online while you can also call them for more nuanced questions.
Voting Early? Do It Right.
For those opting to vote early, there are three main methods: absentee voting, mail-in voting, and in-person voting at designated locations. Since every state has its own set of rules, and since some rules are changing as court holdings are issued, here’s a useful tool to learn about how to vote in your state.
For absentee voting and mail-in voting, to ensure your vote counts, read through and follow the instructions carefully. Your ballot can be rejected if the instructions are not properly followed. If you are uncertain about an instruction, call the phone number listed on the ballot instructions to have your question answered. What is most important is not waiting until the last minute to cast your vote. The earlier you submit it, the greater the chance it will be counted. With numerous lawsuits in the pipeline as to cut-off dates and other procedural matters, the earlier you get this done the better.
Waiting Until Election Day? Know Your Rights.
Knowledge is power and if someone tries to violate your voting rights you can uphold these rights with confidence only if you know what these rights are. For instance, on election day, if you are in line before the polling place closes, you cannot be turned away after its closing time if you are still in line. For those needing assistance, particularly with language, that person can have a family member or friend join him/her at the ballot booth to assist. Voting is a family-friendly occassion, so taking your kids with you is allowed, letting you set a good example for them. Equally important amongst our rights is that work must give you time to cast your vote. This article provides a useful list of important rights for Illinois voters and key phone numbers to report suspected, improper activity.
Done Voting? Share The Excitement!
Your vote is not only important, but it is a sacred, democratic right not afforded to many in our past as well as many today spanning the world. The feeling upon casting your vote is unlike any other, regardless of whether your candidates win or not. Share the feeling by telling your friends and family and sharing a photo of yourself. Good feelings are contagious (a good kind of contagious!), let’s make this election season feverish with excitement!
