By Rebecca Nagel, Contributor
New York State early voting for the 2024 presidential election started this past Saturday. With election day approaching fast, I want to take a moment to ease some first-time voter anxiety. While this will be my first presidential election, I have voted in every minor election since I was registered at 18. So, without further ado, here are my veteran tips and advice for a smooth and non-anxiety-inducing voting experience.
First, it is important to check your voter registration status. Most high school students register to vote their senior year in their government class, but making sure you are registered to vote never hurts. You can check this status on the Erie County Board of Elections website if that is where you reside. If not, you can also do a quick Google search to find your county’s Board of Elections webpage to check your status. The website is easily accessible with key feature boxes in the middle of the webpage for fast and easy use.
While on the Board of Elections website, you can also access your sample ballot. I highly recommend looking up your sample ballot ahead of time to know who and what you are voting for. This election is not just a presidential election; people are also voting for United States Senator, State Supreme Court Justice, Representative in Congress, State Senator, State Assemblymember, Family Court Judge, District Attorney, Council Member, Town Justice and Village Trustee, with some positions different depending on which county and district you are voting from. Alongside the positions you are voting for, there are also proposals to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on. In some places, the proposals will be on the front of your ballot, while others will be on the back, so don’t forget to flip your ballot. I highly recommend reading up on these proposals before going to vote. Only a simplified version is shown on the ballot, and it is important to read up on everything each proposal stands for.
Next, make a voting plan. Figure out when you are going to vote – whether it is during early voting or on election day. To avoid long lines, I recommend taking advantage of early voting – I voted this past Monday after school with my family! It can also help to go to the polls with someone else to ease the anxiety of being alone in a new place. Early voting ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, so have your voting plan ready to go if you’re looking to visit a polling site by then. If you prefer to vote on election day, plan for enough time to stand in line for several hours just in case.
As for what to expect when you arrive at your polling place, the information may differ based on location, but I’ll tell you what I have personally experienced. First, you get in line and wait to be called over to a poll worker. They will ask you some questions to pull up your profile. It makes the question process much faster if you bring your voter registration card that was mailed to you after you registered, but it isn’t necessary to have it. Once they identify you, they will have you sign their tablet before printing out your ballot. When you receive your ballot, you can walk it over to any open table spot to start filling in bubbles. Once you’re done, walk your ballot over to the ballot box, there are instructions displayed on a screen demonstrating how you should insert your ballot. Finally, you leave knowing that you have done your civic duty of voting! Congratulations!
Voting is not supposed to be a big, intimidating process. Take a breather and don’t let it intimidate you. While it is something that may be new to you, I hope these tips will ease your voting anxiety and encourage you to go out to the polls and make your voice heard.
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