This upcoming election is a historical one, y votar es muy importante. This election, there are 32 million Latinx people eligible to vote. Eres uno? Regardless of whether you’re making a plan to vote en esta eleccion or in the next one there’s a couple steps on voting that are essential. If you’re looking for ways para usar tu voz, it’s as simple as hitting the polls!
1 – Register to vote or find out if you are.
As long as you are a U.S citizen over the age of 18 – you can register to vote.
You might already be registered to vote if you’re not sure, you can check your registration status here.
If you’re not registered, now is your time!You can do this online or at the DMV. Although, during COVID times registering online is probably safest, otherwise bring that vaporub with you! Sadly, in some states, the voter registration deadline has passed for this election, but you can visit vote.org and check your state to see if you’re still eligible. Even if it’s passed, go ahead and register this way you’re ready for any upcoming local elections tambien!
2 – Research & research & more research.
Si preguntas, how do I choose which candidate? Well, the answer is to research. You can visit each candidate’s website and see what their policies are. There are many issues en nuestro pais and researching lets you see each candidate’s side and will give you una idea general of what candidate you’re choosing.
Quieres saber what we are voting for today? Some of the issues being decided on in this election are:
- Health care
- Police Brutality
- Paid Sick Leave
- The Environment
- Gun Violence Protection
3 – Where do I vote + votación anticipada?
Once you have registered to vote, you will get your polling location basado on the address you live at. Es muy importante, that you update your address as you move so that you don’t encounter any issues at the polls come voting time.
After you find out where you’re voting, find out if your state allows early voting. This is usually open two weeks before Election day and you can go ahead and cast your voto for your cadidatos preferidos. Your typical voting location may not be open during early voting, so it’s important to check your county’s Supervisor of Elections website to know donde puedes ir.
4 – Decide si you’re hitting the polls or the mailbox.
You have the option of either voting in-person, safely; or voting by mail. The choice is up to you. Votando por correo, you would have to request your balota weeks before the election. Fill it out at home and mail it back. Es simple!
It’s also super importante que recuerdes to mail it back ON TIME. It can be very easy to push it off but before you know it it’s election day and you still have it at home. If that happens, no te preocupes! You can locate a dropbox location near you and drop it off.
5 – Know your derechos.
If you’re a first-time voter – or even a seasoned voter – it’s always important to know what your voting rights are. So before you get in line, make sure you remember:
- If the polls close and you’re still in line – quedate en linea! You have a right to vote.
- If you make mistakes on your ballot, pide ayuda. That’s what poll workers are there for.
- If you are told you are not registered to vote, pero tu sabes that you are – ask for a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot ensures you are still able to vote, and once your registration issue is reviewed and resolved, your vote is also counted. No te preocupes, this process takes just a couple of days.
6 – Vamos a votar!
Es tiempo de ir a votar! Remember, voting es un proceso. It requires a plan and mucha paciencia. You could be in line for a few hours, so bringing a snack, water and something to read would be a great idea. Make sure you’re prepared and bring any necessary identification required so that your voting experience is smooth!
Tu voto es tu voz! So go out and vote today!