If you’re like me, then it means that this will be your first time voting in a presidential election. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Here’s a quick checklist that will help you on your way to the polls.
1. First things first – make sure you’re qualified! If you’re over the age of 18 and a U.S citizen, you’re qualified to vote in federal elections. Not sure where you stand? This quiz can help you figure out where you side on political issues. That being said, you should only use this quiz as a jumping off point. Find out what the issues are and get informed!
2. Second, check if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not sure, you can check here. If you’re not registered, you can register online with this form here. Where you register determines where you can vote in local elections; if you live in a dorm, then you can register with a parent or guardian’s address. If you have a permanent address in San Francisco, you can register to vote in local SF elections.
3. Find your polling place! Type in your voting address here, and you’ll know where your closest polling centers are.
4. Keep in mind the deadlines! In order to vote in the California presidential primary election and the California general election, you need to be registered to vote by 5/23/16 and 10/24/16, respectively. So don’t put it off!
5. Lastly, remember the essentials when you’re voting. Voter ID requirements vary by state (you can check your own state laws here), but California requires voter ID only if you’re registered by mail or if it’s your first time voting in a general election. For most of us it is, so make sure to bring a driver’s license or government-issued identification card to the polls. Don’t forget to grab your “I Voted” sticker on the way out!
More questions? Check out rockthevote.com for more tips and info!