Today is the day. Tuesday, November 6th, 2018, the day we’ve all been waiting for two years now, midterm election day. There has been a lot of talk from various media outlets that this year’s election is more important than the 2016 election two years ago, and it is absolutely true. A lot is on the line, and today is the day you can make an impact, especially young people. Here is your guide as to why you need to vote today.
Why the midterm elections?
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 35 out of the 100 Senate seats, and 39 governorships in 36 states and 3 territories are up for grabs in today’s elections. Yes, presidential elections are important, but these seats that are up for grabs decide and approve what laws the president gets to pass, if we should go to war, or if we should be holding Trump accountable. Currently, congress is controlled entirely by Republicans (House, Senate, Judiciary Branch, & Executive Branch). Elected officials who voted accused sexual predator Brett Kavanaugh into the Supreme Court, have not taken action in the gun violence epidemic in the United States, and have proposed legislation that would take healthcare away from many Americans. If people don’t vote, Trump and his administration will keep making human rights violations and trying to overturn our democracy.
Where do I go to vote?
You’re polling location depends on where you live, in the state and district that you are voting in. Click this link right here to find out your polling location and where you’re supposed to go to vote. https://nextgenamerica.org/lookup/
What is on my ballot?
It is so easy to research the candidates on your ballot thanks to the internet. Most of them have websites where you can get to know them, their issues, what they believe in and more. Click the link right here to find out what is on your ballot and which candidates are up for election in your district. https://nextgen.civicengine.com/
When do I vote?
Each state has different polling times. In Pennsylvania specifically the polls are open from 7:00a.m.-8:00p.m. Remember, if you are in line when the polls close, you are entitled to vote. Click the link to see when your states polling times are. https://ballotpedia.org/State_Poll_Opening_and_Closing_Times_(2018)
What do I need to bring to vote?
In some states, a valid state photo ID is required in order for you to vote. Or you must present a birth certificate, voter ID card, passport, or others depending on where you live. Click the link right here to find out what is required of your state to bring to vote. https://www.vote.org/voter-id-laws/
Can I still register on Election Day?
Yes you can! Same day voter registration applies in the following states. California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. You can register and vote today right here. https://nextgenamerica.org/register/
What do I do if I can’t get to my polling place?
You’re in luck, Uber and Lyft are giving voters discounted rides to their polling places today! Uber will be offering $10 off on a single trip to the polls on election day if you enter the promotional code “VOTE2018” into the Uber app. Lyft is offering a 50% discount for rides to the polls, and free rides for underserved communities. Click the links here to find out more. http://time.com/money/5439518/uber-lyft-free-rides-to-vote-midterm-election-day-2018/
Why should I vote?
Because your life depends on it, seriously. There are children being separated from their families, transgender people being erased from government programs, kids being shot in their own schools, black and brown bodies being killed by police, and sexual assault survivors being made fun of by our own President. Your life may not be at stake, but others are. Don’t let history repeat itself and decide to sit back, get out and vote today, please.