Vote in the 2012 General Election Today!

general-election-2012-stack-ballotsWe have a week left in the 2012 Presidential Election. If you haven’t yet voted be sure to get it done as soon as possible. It is too easy to put off such an important civic duty. The more people that vote in America’s elections the better our democracy is going to work.

One of the great things about technology today is the ability to vote in many different ways. Not only that, technology also gives us an easy gateway to find out what we need to know. The Internet is an excellent tool to find out the information on all of the politicians and political issues that are on the ballot this year. Make sure you take a moment to study up on the political issues that will be up for a vote this November 6th and make sure you vote.

Mail In Ballot

If you have mail in ballots you only have a few more days to turn these in. The cut off in most states is the end of the week. You must have them postmarked by then. If you happen to miss the deadline you can usually turn in the ballots at your local post office.

Use the practice ballot you likely received earlier to mark your choices and write down the questions you have. Then you can research these though the local paper, the blue book, and other political material you have received, as well as on the internet. It shouldn’t take much time and you will have the confidence to cast your vote in a way that is best for you and those around you.

Make sure to check the postage on your mail in ballot as it may need two or three stamps to be mailed. It would be a shame to do all the work only to have your ballot sent back with postage due.

Early Voting

Many states also have early voting. This is also another one of those great conveniences to help get more people out to the polls. Instead of trying to find time during Election Day itself you can go in early and beat the crowds.

Make sure you check the information you should have received in the mail to find out where you can and should vote. If you don’t know where you should vote stop by any polling place in your area and ask them. They should be able to direct you to the proper polling place. If you are unsure where to look most local library’s, community centers, and churches will have polling places in them.

More and more areas across America are allowing not only early voting but the ability to poll at any location in your district. This is very helpful as this makes it easier to stop by a location that is most convenient for you. Who knows, you might live in an area that allows early voting at any polling place. Early voting only takes a couple of minutes so don’t makes excuses, stop by the polls and vote!

Election Day Voting

If you are one of those that like to go on Election Day to the polls or otherwise need to go on Election Day there are a few things you want to keep in mind.

If you are voting during Election Day make an effort to go some time during the day. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to be the slowest times at the polls on Election Day. This can minimize the amount of time you may be spending there.

You will also want to make sure that you take notes with you so you are sure of your choices in the booth. This way you will be prepared for the issues on the ballot because you have looked them up prior to the polls and made your decision. This avoids the hassle and confusion of trying to figure out what is on the ballot and what it does when you are in the booth. Plus, this helps move the lines along faster and keeps everyone in a good mood.

Lastly, if you are planning to go to the polls on Election Day, make a party out of it! Invite some of your friends, family, siblings, or anyone else to make it fun and enjoyable activity instead of an inconvenience.  This will give you friends to stand in line with, talk about the issues, and enjoy this very important civic activity.  While you’re at it try to invite those that you think may not vote. It can be great to help engage those that are daunted or unsure about the system of our democracy. Bottom line is have fun and get as many involved as you can!

Voting Made Easier (Mostly)

Overall it has become a lot easier to vote in America that it has in the past. With the ability to vote early, cast a vote through mail in ballots, and the ability to utilize the polling place of your choice voting caters to many more American’s needs then in the past. So do not be dissuaded, frustrated or put off about voting. It is our civic duty and a moral imperative as a citizen of the United States of America to be involved in our politics and vote in our elections. If you would like some help ask those around you. If you are an experienced voter, offer your help to those around you.

Good luck, have fun, and go out and vote because every voice counts!