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Deep Dive Articles, Policy Updates

How to Vote 101

Publication Date: July 04, 2024

By: NWHN Staff

In the past two years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we’ve witnessed unprecedented attacks on women’s health care. Abortion is now a fraught state-by-state access issue. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is on the line. And now, access to birth control is in jeopardy.  
 
But all is not lost. We have a voice in this system – namely, our vote. And if we come together and vote this fall? We could change everything.   

Why should I vote? | Wait – am I even eligible to vote? | How do I check if I’m registered to vote? | What is my voter registration deadline? | How do I register to vote? | How do I vote in person on Election Day? | I won’t be in town on Election Day. What are my options? | My voting situation is weird and unclear. Where can I get more information? | Why should I pledge to vote? | Why should I make a plan to vote? | How do I get my friends and loved ones to vote? | What are my voting rights? | I have other questions, where can I reach out?

Download the PDF of this Guide

Why should I vote?

It’s easy to feel disaffected or disheartened by politics and to believe that your single vote won’t make much of a difference. But it does. Voting helps… 

  • Ensure that your values and the issues that matter the most to you are prioritized  
  • Decide where your tax dollars should be spent (where government funding and resources should go) 
  • Fight against racism and discrimination and honor those who fought for the right to vote 
  • Turn numbers into power – and we have the numbers.  

And if you think a single vote doesn’t matter, here are times when they’ve decided close races. 

Wait – am I even eligible to vote?

You CAN vote if you:  

  • Are a U.S. citizen  
  •  Meet your state’s residency requirements (note: you can be experiencing homelessness and still meet these requirements.)  
  • Are 18 years old on or before Election Day  (In some states, you can pre-register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by election day.) 
  • Are registered to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline (North Dakota does not require voter registration.)  

You CAN’T vote in U.S. elections if you:  

  • Are not a U.S. citizen, including permanent legal residents. 
  • Have a felony conviction in some states. Check with your state elections office. 
  • Are a U.S. citizen residing in a U.S. territory (only for the general presidential election). 

Learn more about these requirements at usa.gov/who-can-vote.
 

How do I check if I’m registered to vote?

Got 30 seconds? You can check if you’re registered to vote by filling out a quick form on vote.org. 

What is my voter registration deadline?

To vote, you need to be registered – and not all states offer same-day registration. What’s more, deadlines vary by state – so it’s important to understand your specific situation.

Use Vote411’s interactive registration deadline tool and select your state to view your election dates & deadlines. 

How do I register to vote?

Registering to vote takes less than 2 minutes. Simply fill out the voter registration form on vote.org. 

How do I vote in-person on Election Day?

I won’t be in town on Election Day. What are my options?

Depending on your state, you might be eligible to submit an absentee ballot, vote by mail, or vote early.

Absentee voting: States that use absentee voting require the voter to request a ballot to be sent to them.
By-mail voting: States that use a vote-by-mail system automatically send ballots out via mail to all registered voters without the voter having to ask for it.  

Early in-person voting: Some states allow you to vote in person 15 to 30 days before election day.  

My voting situation is weird and unclear. Where can I get more information?

How to Vote If You’re… 

Why should I pledge to vote?

Making a pledge is a psychological strategy that helps keep you focused and committed to goals you might otherwise be tempted to give up on and, with women’s health on the line, showing up to vote this year is more crucial than ever. 

Why should I make a plan to vote?

The same reason we meal prep and schedule our weeks – it’s empowering and effective. Making a plan to vote greatly increases the chances you actually will, and can help reduce anxiety around the voting process (especially for first-time voters!).  

  • Make a plan to vote and spread the word to others! 
  • Know what your voter registration status is 
  • Make a plan to vote by mail or in person 
  • If you plan to vote in person, research where your local polling places are. 
  • Research candidates to learn where they stand on issues that matter to you 
  • Tell your loved ones about your plans to vote and encourage them to make their own plans too 

How do I get my friends and loved ones to vote?

Every vote has the power to impact women’s health. Encourage your friends and loved ones to vote by: 

  • Offering rides, or ordering a rideshare service, to get them to and from their local polling place 
  • Helping them get registered to vote or confirm their voter registration status 
  • Helping them request an absentee ballot or vote by mail 
  • Hosting a Party at the Polls event: 
  • Sign up to host a Party at the Polls event 
  • Download the free how-to guide for hosts 
  • Walk in a #walkthevote voting parade 

What are my voting rights exactly? I’m afraid someone will try to intimidate me at the polls, or suppress my vote.

Know your voter rights so you’ll feel confident and unshakable when you go to cast your ballot. 

Have other questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Email [email protected] and one of our Get Out the Vote staff will get back to you ASAP. 

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