The 2008 election season is quickly approaching and ProgressiveU would like to welcome all of you new voters to the population! Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities that you possess. We have all heard that "one vote doesn't matter" but guess what? One vote has swayed elections several times in years past.
There are many other documented instances of one vote deciding the course of an election. The point is, that one vote, your vote can make a difference and help decide the outcome, whether it's by a single digit, or by two thousands.
Let your voice be heard this election season! We don't care who you vote for, we just want you to vote! And to make it easier for you, we've collected some of the most important information you will need to know when you head to the polls, starting with important dates, voting protocol, candidate websites, registration deadlines and much more!
Register to Vote
In order to vote, you generally must be registered! You may pre-register by printing and filling out a voter registration form found at http://declareyourself.org and sending it to your County Clerk. Your voter registration forms must be postmarked or received by specific dates, which you can check here [1]. If you wish, you may also register in person, by going to your County Clerk's office and asking for a voter registration card. Many local libraries also have voter registration cards on hand that you can fill out and send in.
And remember, if you have moved or changed your name, you must update your voter registration information to remain eligible to vote!
Which primaries do I vote in?
In some states, you must be registered with a specific party to be eligible to vote in the primary elections for that party. In others, you may be registered for any party, but may only vote in the primary elections for one party. To find out what rules your state follows check out this list [2].
Important Dates To Remember
One of our bloggers, Ryan Pierce, has posted the full schedule of election dates to remember in his blog Schedule of 2008 Electoral Process [3]. Make sure you check it out so you know when to head to the polls! And give Ryan a big thank you for his efforts while you're there!
Where to vote?
Not sure where you need to go to cast your vote? Check out My Polling Place [4] for help. Remember to check with your County Clerk to ensure that the polling place listed is correct, as they are subject to change at the drop of a hat!
They won't let me vote!
If you believe that you are eligible to vote, but are being denied ballot access because you don't have ID, aren't on the electoral roll, or for any other reason, ask to cast a provisional ballot Under the Help America Vote Act of 2002, voters must be granted access to a provisional ballot if he or she feels that he/she is eligible to vote. If you have been refused a provisional ballot but feel that you are eligible to receive one, you may consider calling one of the National Voter Hotlines for further information on what you need to do. (As election day nears, we will link to those hotlines).
Who's running for what office? How do I research?
While we all know that we're going to be choosing a President in November of 2008, there will be other names and offices on the ballot. Make sure you educate yourself about those other candidates and ballot initiatives by checking out your states' SOS website [5] for more information.
For information on candidates running for Presidential office, check out The Green Papers comprehensive listing of candidates [6], complete with links to their websites and more! Going to the polls is about more than just checking a name! Make sure you really make your vote count by educating yourself about the positions and platforms of all candidates!
Who's ahead in the polls right now?
Curious to see who is leading in the polls right now? Check out the Project Vote Smart [7]: organization run by volunteers who help collect important voter information on topics A to Z.