How to Vote

Remember: Those who don't vote have no right to complain.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Roll Call Online
• Newspaper Subscriptions
• Postage Stamps
• Voter Registration Forms
• Pens And Pencils
• Computers

1. Visit your state's official Web site (www.state.xx.us, where xx is your state's postal abbreviation) or contact your local city hall for information about registering to vote.

2. Pay attention to the news media, campaign materials and voting guides to educate yourself about the issues and the candidates as Election Day approaches.

3. Look on your voter registration card to find the address and hours of operation of your polling place.

4. Fill out a sample ballot to use as a reference at your polling place.

5. Visit your polling place during polling hours on Election Day.

6. Follow officials' directions about how to cast your vote properly. Voting systems vary from county to county.

Tips & Warnings

• Many jurisdictions have laws on the books stating that private employers must allow their employees time off for voting purposes. Check with your state's official Web site for more information.
• If you know that you will not be in town on Election Day, you can vote using an absentee ballot. Contact your local county officials for details.
• If you recently moved and forgot to register in your new district, it is possible that you are still registered and able to vote in your previous district.
• In many states, you have the option of registering to vote when you apply for a driver's license or other state services. Also, public libraries, post offices and public schools often have the forms needed to register to vote.
• You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen to vote.

[mark-finski]

on 5/24/2009 Interesting article.

[jcdale]

on 10/21/2008 Step 2 in How To Vote needs serious examination! I listened to the media, etc. Then I went online in search of voting records for each candidate, State & Federal, only to find out that they only tell you what they think you need to hear! EVERYONE should do their own RESEARCH! You'll be surprised at what you never heard on T.V.
Jeannie

on 1/26/2006 The common saying that "If you don't vote you have no right to complain," is erroneous. Voting is a citizen's privilege, not an obligation. On the other hand, paying taxes is a citizen's obligation. That is to say that if you don't vote, but paid your taxes on time, you have the right to complain.

on 11/22/2005 If you are a minor and want to vote, you're going to have to protest for it. Join ASFAR - www.asfar.org - they are organizing protests. Get equal representation.

on 11/22/2005 You can register online right now. Go to www.rockthevote.org and click "Get your ass registered." Fill out the form online. They will send you a registration form filled out and addressed for you to proofread, sign and put in the mail.