Midterm elections are coming up on November 6 and big brand names, celebrities, and influencers everywhere are hyping up voter turnout this year. Why? Because you have a privilege unique to you as an American citizen.
But unfortunately, the United States voting system is relatively complicated, especially to a timid new voter who isn’t sure whether or not their opinion even counts. Well, we’re to put your mind at ease about all of that with some tips and tricks to help you through this year’s elections. If you’re looking for a guide on how to register to vote, we’ve got you. Make sure you should get right on that since it typically takes a while for that to process.
Lyft: The Ride to Vote
Lyft is offering 50% off promo codes and free—that’s right, FREE—rides to the polls for underserved communities on November 6 in order to get every possible voter on board with this year’s elections. Promo codes will be given to Vote.org, Nonprofit Vote, TurboVote, and more, to distribute to those who need them, as well include a polling locator to help you find out where to go to vote in your county. Free rides will be given through Voto Latino, local Urban League affiliates, and the National Federation of the Blind, as well as many others, to ensure that every eligible voter has a route to the polls this year.
Vote With Divvy
Divvy bikes are offering free rides to the polls on November 6! All you have to do is get the Explorer Pass, which will be free and valid for unlimited 3-hour trips in a 24-hour period on election day, and use the code VOTE18 at the kiosk. That will unlock a bike for you to ride to the polls and back totally free of charge. Divvy even includes a guide to polls near you and a way to get the Explorer Pass ahead of time via their app.
Early Voting
Still can’t make it to the polls on the day? Me neither, but that’s why I’m sending in an absentee ballot.
Every state has its own rules for early voting, but Illinois’s is pretty straightforward. They allow early voting two weeks before the midterm elections up until November 5, so you still have time to either mail in your ballot or bring it to the polls ahead of time.
You can find a poll near you that allows early voting here. Cultivate your absentee ballot based on your county here.
Spoiled Ballots
Fun fact: if you mess up your vote somehow, you have a do-over. Actually two, but try not to fuck it up a second time. All you have to do is let the polling clerk know that you made a mistake and would like another ballot. You will give him or her your “spoiled” ballot and start over with a new one. No one will see your mistake as it will be sealed and destroyed immediately. If you’re voting electronically, you can usually correct your mistake yourself using the touchscreen, but if you need help, all you have to do is ask.
Two Forms of ID
Going to the polls is like heading to the DMV: they’re pretty picky about what you hand them, so make sure to get it right the first time. You’ll need to bring with you two forms of ID that verify you actually do live in the county for which you’re voting. These can include the following:
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Utility bill
- Employee or student ID card
- Lease or contract for a residence
- Credit card
- Civic, union or professional association membership card
- FOID card
Of course, there are also other rules that you must abide by in order to vote:
- Appear in person at one of the designated locations for registration and voting
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a resident of the precinct for 30 days
- Be 18 years of age or older
As long as you hit those marks, you’re good to go! Just remember that your vote is important, no matter where you live or how old you are. If you want to see things change or like the system the way it is now, vote, vote, vote so you can make a difference.