It’s your voice, your power, your responsibility as a citizen. The right to vote was very hard-won, and we must exercise it. Every American needs to stand up and be counted. The future of our children, our nation, even our world depends on it. Get informed and vote thoughtfully.
“For this nation to remain true to its principles, we cannot allow any American’s vote to be denied, diluted or defiled. The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.”
EVERY VOTE COUNTS
Slim margins and handfuls of votes have made the difference. Voter turnout matters, just take a look at these examples:
United States Presidential Elections, Florida, 2000
nearly 6 million voters cast a ballot for president in Florida. After more than a month of recounts and legal battles that were decided by a divided United States Supreme Court, a difference of 0.009% decided the winner between Al Gore & George W. Bush - just 537 votes.
United States House of Representatives, Texas, 23rd District, 2018
the margin of difference was 0.5% - 925 votes.
Kentucky House of Representatives 13th District, 2018
the margin of difference was 0.0079% - 1 vote.
Alaska House of Representatives 1st District, 2018
the margin of difference was 0.03755% - 1 vote.
United States House of Representatives, Arizona, 2nd District, 2014
`the margin of difference was 0.07343% - 161 votes.
In fact, there have been more than a dozen races decided by a single vote or ending in a tie over the last 20 years - think about that if you ever want to sit out from voting in a local or national, primary or general election.
There are only three steps you need to follow to protect your vote, listed below:
STEP 1: REGISTER TO VOTE
The first thing you need to do: REGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE YOUR STATE DEADLINE. There are many online resources to help you do this or check your registration status with, including:
Vote.org: checks if you are registered, provides links to each state to check state registry, then helps you register if you are not on the database.
U.S. Vote Foundation: helps register US based voters, overseas voters, and military voters.
The Voter Participation Center: allows you to register and shows the registration deadlines for every state.
STEP 2: KNOW WHERE/HOW TO VOTE
FIND YOUR POLLING STATION
Once you are registered, you need to FIND YOUR POLLING STATION. There are many resources to help you with this:
Vote.org Polling Locator: sends you to the polling locator site for each state
Voting Information Tool: enter your home address into this site and they will show you where to vote on a map, what's on your ballot, and how to contact your election officials.
Contact your state/territorial election office for your polling place and hours. Find the information for each office here.
REGISTER ABSENTEE
Not at home, not in the country, or serving in the military abroad? Make sure you register for an ABSENTEE BALLOT. There are plenty of resources to help you with this process too:
OVERSEAS/MILITARY ABSENTEE VOTERS:
Overseas Vote: provides absentee registration for people living overseas
US MAILING ADDRESS ABSENTEE VOTERS
FVAP.Gov: provides absentee voting registration for people with US mailing addresses.
U.S. Vote Foundation: provides absentee registration for people with US mailing addresses.
Vote.org: explains the rules of absentee for each state and provides links for each state’s registration for people with US mailing addresses.
If your absentee ballot doesn’t arrive on time, use a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot [LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE]
the FWAB is for overseas and uniformed services voters whose ballots are late. In some states, the FWAB can also be used as a voter registration form & ballot.
STEP 3: VOTE!
Vote in a polling station, vote early, vote absentee, but whatever you do - VOTE. Voting is the foundation of democracy and your right - use it and make sure your voice is heard.
