The divided state of American voters does nothing to help this issue, only further muddying the waters for new or first-time voters. This article serves as a guide for students, many of whom are first-time voters, to not only register to vote but also inform themselves about the candidate options and the positions that might be up for election in their states. 

Register to Vote:

The most important step in casting your vote is making sure that you are properly registered in your state of residence. If you do not know if you are registered to vote, visit vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote. By entering in your basic information, this resource can tell if you have registered, and what state you are registered in. 

If you know that you have not ever registered to vote, visit vote.org/register-to-vote. Putting your information into this form will give you state-specific information on how to register, and if your state allows you to register online, you will be redirected to the correct resource site. 

Absentee Ballots:

If you are registered to vote in your home state but will be unable to attend voting day due to being at school, you are able to have an absentee ballot sent to your P.O. box on campus or to your off-campus residence. Visiting vote.org/absentee-ballot will direct you to a state-specific site, allowing you to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. 

When going into election day, it is crucial to understand who is running, what position they are running for, and what positions are up for election; this will depend on your state. And even if you have limited political knowledge, there are various resources available to help you self-educate on the issues and offices being voted on.

Consider the Options:

Ballotpedia.org is a nonpartisan resource for the casual voter. Scrolling through the “2024 Elections” page will allow you to view information for your state. This website also offers a “mock ballot” option, which produces a ballot very similar to the one you will see when voting, so that voters can feel better prepared when going to cast their votes. 

An often forgotten piece of going to vote is understanding your rights as a voter, as well as knowing how to stay safe. To be prepared for possible issues or situations that may arise surrounding your right to vote, such as identification requirements, conflicts with other voters or voting staff, and being aware of your surroundings while voting, visit vote.org/election-protection. 

Voting for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you do not know what to expect. Going into election day, feeling informed and confident makes all the difference when deciding how to cast your vote. It often can feel that everyone around you knows what they’re doing and you’re an outlier; however, every person experiences the fear of the unknowns of voting for the first time. Educating yourself as a young person living in America is one of the most empowering things you can do.