A Beginner’s Guide to Voting
Photo from Pexels by Element5 Digital.
Danica Joyner
Why is voting important?
Voting is a privilege for American citizens that is often taken for granted. Just a century ago, not all Americans were able to vote. It wasn’t until 1870, when the 15th Amendment was ratified, that African American men could vote. Yet, there were taxes and tests to be completed before they could vote. So, African Americans who couldn’t pay or didn’t pass the tests could not vote. As of 1920, when the 19th Amendment was passed, women were allowed to vote. Then, in 1964, the poll taxes put in place by states to keep African Americans from voting became illegal due to the 24th Amendment. So, really, it’s only been about 60 years since every person was able to vote in the United States and have their vote really count. Your grandparents or even parents may not have had these privileges. Voting allows you to express your opinions and choose to elect people with similar views, so that the change you want to see can happen in the United States.
My vote won’t matter.
You may think “My vote won’t matter” or ”It’s just one vote.” While, yes, one singular vote won’t change much, let’s say that you and five other classmates don’t vote because it “doesn’t matter.” That’s six fewer votes in the election from just one classroom. Now, imagine all of the other people like you who also think that one vote won’t matter—that’s a lot of votes nationwide that could change the outcome of an election. In a survey sent out to Hamilton staff and students, one response stated, “I believe that every vote counts and some elections come down to a difference of less than 1,000 votes, so they really do matter.” It’s important to have the mindset that your vote can create change and have a chance to represent your views in office.
“I want to vote, but I don’t know where to start.”
Registering to vote is easy. You can register online up to 20 days before an election by mail, postmarked at least 20 days before an election or in person as late as the election date. To register, go to https://vote.gov/ and enter your state or territory name. It will show a link for registering online and a link for registering by mail. The link you click based on your preference for registering will take you to a website that will give you detailed steps for registering.
Important notes for Election Day
In Wisconsin, they have a strict photo ID policy when voting. While at the polling station, it is important to bring a valid ID, like an issued State of Wisconsin Driver’s License, passport, or ID card. If you registered by mail or at the polling place on Election Day, you must also show proof of residency. This may be a bill, financial statement, lease or rental agreement, or registration for a private mailbox or PO box. If you registered online, your driver’s license ID counts as a valid proof of residency.
Why should I vote?
According to the census, Wisconsin had the highest youth population voting percentage out of all of the states in the 2022 election. So why should this be important to you? The youth population has the ability to choose the future of the United States. Millennials are the largest generation, and gen Z is set to outgrow them in the near future, second by only 2.5 million people. This means, the larger percent of these populations voting will ultimately mean more people are voting in these generations compared to people in other generations, so youth votes really do matter and can make a big change to their future.
I don’t feel comfortable voting
Everybody is nervous about their first time voting. However, as long as you know who you want to elect, have the forms or items from above, and feel like your vote matters, then voting will be a breeze.
When answering the question “Why do you choose to/choose not to vote?” in a survey, one person responded, “I don’t vote because I don’t know enough about the candidates and their policies.” Today it can be hard to believe what you read on the internet, or even see on the news. There are biases almost everywhere, but there are some websites that actively try to put out unbiased, accurate information. The best solution to not knowing who to vote for is to evaluate your own beliefs. What changes would you like to see in the United States? What policies do you like and don’t like?
Once you have an idea of what you’d want to look for, head to the internet and learn more about the candidates. It is important to explore all parties and people, because you never know if a different view fits who you’d want to see elected.
Some unbiased sites are:
Note: If you’re unsure whether an organization is biased with their media, you can search up the name and “bias,” and it will show fact-check-sites that say which way they lean and some include their reliability.
Sources
Voter Registration and Proof of Residence
Acceptable Documents for Identity Verification
5 Reasons Why You Should Vote!
PROOF OF RESIDENCE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
Election Day Voting in Wisconsin
Voter Registration in Wisconsin
Voting Rights Laws and Constitutional Amendments
