Are you ready to vote?
Today is National Voter Registration Day and theCityMoms want to your voice to be heard this November! In a 2020 study by the Knight Foundation, more than one in four unregistered voters (27%) reported not being registered because they didn’t know how, they kept forgetting, they didn’t have time, were too busy, or they recently moved. As we celebrate 100 years of women voters participating in the election of our local, state, and federal leadership, don't let your opportunity to exercise your political voice pass you by!
Voter Registration
If you are an Indiana resident, the voter registration deadline is October 5. Check on your vote registration status and find out your polling location information.
Don't forget to talk to your family, friends, neighbors to ensure they are registered to vote. Even if they participated in the last election, their voter status may have changed. Text your forgetful girlfriends, check up on your partner's registration status, remind your parents. And download this image to share on your social media platforms to remind your followers to check their voter status.
Research the candidates
Most voters are familiar with presidential and federal candidates, but may be unaware of the local candidates shaping your county, town, and state governance. Set aside time as a family to research all the candidates and any other measures on your local ballot. Ballotpedia.org allows you to download your sample ballot. If you have older children, this is an excellent time to talk about democracy and share candidate platforms. Hold a family election and ask your kids to share their reasons for voting for a specific candidate.
How can you vote?
There are several ways Hoosiers can cast their ballots. With concerns about Covid-19, many voters are seeking out alternatives to the long lines and crowding of Election Day. Do your research on the voting method that is best for you.
Mail-in Ballot
Indiana has specific requirements to be eligible for absentee-by-mail voting:
You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6 am until 6 pm).
You have a disability.
You are at least 65 years of age.
You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct.
You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
You are a participant in the state's address confidentiality program.
You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.
You are a "serious sex offender" as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).
You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls.
Voters can download and print the ABS-Mail form and mail your application to the voter or visit their county election office. Remember, the application must be in the possession of election officials by the October 22, 2020, deadline to be processed for the November 2020 election.It is recommended to request your absentee ballot and return it as quickly as possible to ensure it has been received for Election Day.
VOTING IS OUR FAVORITE FALL ACTIVITY, FOR MORE : Check out our 2020 Fall Bucket List
Early Voting
A greater number of voters are opting to head to the polls ahead of November 3 in an attempt to avoid lines or to accommodate scheduling conflicts. Early voting begins on October 6 and continues through November 2. Early voters will still need to remember their State ID to cast their vote. Each county has their own early voting locations and times. Contact your county election board for information about early voting in your area.
Election Day
If you love the pomp and circumstance of casting your ballot on Election Day, set your reminder for November 3. Polling places are open from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. If you are in line at your polling location by 6 p.m. you are still able to cast your vote. Don't get out of line!Be sure to bring your Indiana I.D. to the polls, but leave your political attire at home.Wearing or displaying clothing or accessories that state the name of a political party or include the name or other likeness of candidates or currently elected officials is considered Electioneering and will prohibit you from entering your polling location.
Work the Polls
Poll workers are essential to Election Day success, as the number of individuals staffing a poll location help the lines to move quickly and smoothly. If you are able, consider this important role, and apply to serve as a Poll Worker. Bonus, they do get paid and you'll feel pretty great passing out "I Voted" stickers all day!
