It's November and everybody knows it's election season. So with all the rustle and bustle with the Presidential candidates I think that we, as Millennials among others, have a tendency to forget how important it is to vote. I don't care if you vote for the Moon to become President, it's just important that you vote! So I present to you: "The Guide to Voting in College".
14. Vote in the location you care about the most.
If you are like me and care about your hometown and your region, register for an absentee ballot in your hometown. If it's not that big of a deal, register in your college town!
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13. Don't be a "Straight-Down Party Voter"
At the top of the ballot, you will probably see something that says "Down Ticket" and a list of the Parties. This option will let you automatically select the candidate for that party in each race. DO NOT BE THIS GUY! Vote your conscience and morals, not by the party, vote for the person.
12. Remember that you can switch parties before the election.
In some states, you have to do this at least one month before the election. But if college has changed you - perhaps you feel more liberal or conservative since entering college - you may have the option to change parties, if this is important for you.
11. Look at all the candidates for all the races.
There are more offices than just the President that are on the line this election. 50 Senate seats are up for grabs, and so are a lot of House seats. These offices are majorly important and can have a big effect on the political future.
10. Don't vote with your parents.
If you agree with all your parents values and ideologies, then by all means vote for the candidate they're endorsing. But chances are you don't, so vote for who you think is the best.
9. Stay on top of the news.
If you're a biology major or an art major, you might not spend as much time looking at the political news of the world as much as Political Science majors. But pay attention to where the candidates are, what they are saying, and what they are doing -- not just in the debates.
8. Ask if you don't understand.
Don't just consult Google or Wikipedia for all your political dictionary needs. If you have a question, consult a Political Science faculty member for a (probably) unbiased, educated definition of a context.
7. Take a Civics crash course.
A lot of colleges offer a quick evening civics lesson. Where the polling places are, what times the polls open in your area, and otherwise. Sometimes even Youtube videos are a huge help!
6. Don't write - in on your ballot.
Even if your whole campus is saying, "WRITE IN BERNIE!", don't be too quick to jump on that bandwagon. The possibility of a write-in candidate being elected to a major office, especially when that office consists of being "the leader of the free world", is smaller than even a third-party candidate's chance. He lost the primary everybody, get over it. That's democracy.
5. Do your own research on the candidates.
Visit their websites, look at who their supporters are and if you agree with them.
4. It's okay to change your mind.
Let's say you were set on voting for Hillary Clinton and decided she was a little too shady. It's okay to vote for Trump or Gary Johnson or Jill Stein. Don't let your voice not be heard because you have doubts about who you had originally decided on.
3. Talk!
Talk to people of the opposing viewpoints. If you are pro-choice, talk to your pro-life cousin to try and understand where they are coming from. Don't get upset and automatically call them "stupid" or use hurtful words. They believe what they believe and they have every right to think whatever they want. But that doesn't mean we can't not discuss the issues. The key to democracy is finding common ground. Taking Republican and Democratic initiatives and fitting them to suit everybody. The more we find the middle, the more we will get done.
2. Get involved!
If you have time, work on a campaign in your area. Whether it's for the Presidential race or the State Representative race, being involved can put a stamp on your resume and you may find it rewarding if the election goes your way!
1. Believe in America.
This is the greatest country on the face of the planet. If your candidate loses, and you think that sudden death will occur all across all 50 states if the opponent takes the White House -- FEAR NOT! The beautiful system of American Democracy allows for these things to work themselves out.
Believe in yourself. Believe in your voice. Believe in America.
HAPPY ELECTION DAY!
