It’s time to VOTE!

October 22, 2020 | 12:00 PM

It’s time to VOTE!

By Team Fierce Reads

All of us on Team Fierce Reads believe that voting is one of the most important things you can do—and we’re not the only ones . . . Now that you know just how much we ALL want you to vote keep reading for a list of resources that will empower you to vote this year. Remember: voting is the most important way to have a say in the way our country is run—and if a lifetime of reading has taught us anything, it’s that speaking up for what we believe in is not only our right, but our duty. If you’re too young to vote, you still have a voice. If you’re under 18, ask the adult in your life about their voting plans, discuss current events with your friends, practice voting in mock elections, and more. I am old enough to vote, what do I need to know? If you’re over 18, there’s a lot of important information out there for you.

To double-check if you’re eligible to vote, check your state election’s office to learn more.
If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote or if you know you’re not and you still want to register, head over to Vote.org and fill in your info on their homepage to find out your status and state deadlines.
Have questions about early voting? Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, and South Carolina don’t allow early voting but all other states do. Visit Ballotpedia to find out more about your state’s early voting dates, times, and locations.
If you’re voting on Election Day (November 3), be sure to look up where your polling place is with this Polling Place Locator from Vote.org.
Once you know where you’ll vote, plan how you’ll get there. Fun fact: Lyft is offering 50% off rides to polling places on November 3 with the code 2020VOTE.
As for absentee voting, if you already have an absentee ballot, the best way to make sure your vote is counted is to drop it off in person at a board of elections location. USPS cannot guarantee timely delivery and many states will not count absentee ballots that arrive after November 3.
Okay, you’re registered, you’re going to the poll on November 3, and you know how you’re getting there. Don’t forget to check Ballotpedia.org to find out if you need to present a form of ID before you can vote!
It’s also worth noting that the amount of time you’ll have to wait in line will be different depending on where you live so consider packing some snacks, a water bottle, a good book, and maybe even a folding chair to keep you full, hydrated, entertained, and comfortable while you wait.

And remember, if you’re in line to vote before the polls close, no one can turn you away until you’ve had a chance to cast your ballot. You can check out poll closing times here, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with your local news or government website.