THREAD’S VOTING GUIDE FOR THE 2024 ELECTION
Here’s How You Can Prepare to Vote in this Pivotal Election
BY JACKSON MCCOY ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF
Political signs occupy most of the space on people’s front lawns. Citizens and volunteers campaign for their causes at the required 100-foot distance from the Athens County Board of Elections building. YouTube videos face a constant bombardment of campaign ads. It's officially election season, and with Election Day coming up soon, it is important to understand how to participate in democracy and do your civic duty before casting your vote.
There are several things you need to do before you vote. Here’s a list of things you need to bring, as well as things you should do to prepare before your ballot is sent away to be counted in what could be the most consequential election in recent memory.
Valid Ohio ID or Identification Document
In compliance with Gov. Mike DeWine’s House Bill 458, all people voting in person must have a valid Ohio-issued identification document. This includes your driver’s license, U.S. military ID card, or a U.S. passport. For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable forms of identification in Ohio, visit the Secretary of State’s website.
If you’re an out-of-state student wanting to vote in Ohio’s elections instead of the elections in your home state, you need to cast your vote via absentee ballot. The time to request an absentee ballot has unfortunately passed, so non-Ohio residents will need to head home to vote this year.
Candidate and Issue Breakdowns
There are almost always people passing out voting “cheat sheets” outside of polling locations. You have every right to bring these cheat sheets into your voting booth, and they are very useful guides for understanding the issues on the ballot in your area.
Nonprofits and organizations like the ACLU and the National Education Association usually release a list of the national candidates they endorse, and local chapters of these often do the same with state and local races. Bringing one of these in from a source you trust can help you understand the issues on your ballot and inform your vote.
Patience for Local Poll Workers
In our current era of high polarization and false accusations of voter fraud, being a poll worker is not easy right now. As you head to your polling location, consider the people who make your voting experience smoother. Poll workers are all volunteers, and are all trying their best. They are the people you see when you vote for the first time. Don’t make them sad you’re there, make them happy a new generation is taking civic engagement seriously.
