Go Vote!

Election day is quickly approaching, and I want to do my part to encourage others to get out and vote.  Consider this my own little Public Service Announcement or PSA if you will. 

Recently there has been some stir in PA and several other states where politicians want to change voting requirements.   Any blind person can see that this is voter suppression at its finest.  While I have a complete long rant about this I will not get into it.  I will ask the question why do we need to change voting requirements?  Why can’t we let whoever is going to win the race win it fair and square without any help. My mind thinks back to that saying I heard many times as a child and now repeat to my children. Cheaters never prosper.

Cheaters never prosper! Do you hear that politicians?  Yes you may find brief gain but in the long run your dirty, underhanded, racist, prejudiced, bigoted deeds and or comments will find you out. Yeah I said it and could say a lot more but I wont. 

(Okay now I have got that out of my system) *shake it off*

As a potential voter its crucial that you arm yourselves with knowledge so that you are prepared prior to casting your ballot.  Below are a few handy tips that I put together in hopes that they will aide someone else.

1. If you are not registered to vote, it’s not to late. Find out when is the last day to register in your area.  Generally you can find voter registration cards at your post office or library and now you can register online.  Then pay close attention to the requirements in your state for voter registration. 
2. Find out your polling station.  I am encouraging everyone to vote early since you are not limited to your polling station with early voting.  That can make things easier.  Find out when early voting begins and ends and make a plan now so that you can execute it when the day arrives.  I’m anticipating long lines at the polls going early will reduce your wait times. 
3. When you arrive at the polls come prepared with the necessary items required by your state. 
4. Request and absentee ballot if you will not be in the U.S. during your voting period.
5. Do your own research on the candidates. During election season there are so many negative media adds running you could easily be swayed one way or another.  Find a good unbiased source and do your own research. 
6. This step is combined with #4.  Pay attention to local elections that will be further down the ballot.  Yes we are concerned about what happens in Washington but decisions made locally will have more of a direct impact on your daily life.  Research, research, research. 

For years I have relied on The League of Women’s Voters to prepare me for upcoming elections. The league has several sites another great one is www.smartvoter.org. Of course I love is NPR. Perhaps I’m a little biased being a journalist but their coverage on the issues is superb.

You can find so much useful information on these sites.  Pertinent information about candidates and their stance on issues, how to get the most from debates, how honest are the responses given by candidates etc. and and a host of other information.

Lastly as you prepare to get out and vote, create a well thought out plan and execute it. Look at your schedule and come up with more than one day that you can get to the polls.  If you work outside of your home taking time to do your civic duty may mean leaving a little early from work or taking an extended lunch.

Hopefully, this PSA has been helpful to someone.  Now get registered and then vote.