Making a Voting Plan
Making a Voting Plan
At HC Libraries, we recognize that election years can be very overwhelming, especially in regards to finding accurate information about elections, voting registration, and our election process. Whether it is your first time voting or your 20th, all voters need a plan before casting their ballot. This non partisan guide will show you the steps to creating a voting plan so that you will be prepared to make your voice heard on November 5th!
If you have any questions or comments about this guide please contact libref@holycross.edu
- HC Election Forum 2024An ignite homepage for all election-related content at Holy Cross. There will be several discussion and debate viewing events throughout the term, so check in here for events.
Step 1: Check your Voter Registration
Step 1: Check your Voter Registration and Registration Deadlines
The first step of any voting plan is to check that you are fully registered to vote. The voter registration deadline in MA is October 15, so if you're an MA resident make sure you handle your registration by then! Other states may have different registration deadlines. The links below will take you directly to voter registration websites to either register or check on your registration status and deadlines by state.
- Register to voteLearn how to register to vote or change your voter registration information
- Voter Registration DeadlinesDepending on your home state, there may be a different deadline to register to vote. Use this link to check what your registration deadlines are.
Step 2: Check your Early or Day of Voting options
Step 2: Check your Early or Day of Voting options
When it comes to voting, you have options on how to cast your vote in a way that is convenient for you. Use the links below to decide what method of voting will work best for your schedule.
- Absentee Voting and Voting by MailAbsentee voting and vote-by-mail allow voting before Election Day by mail or drop-off. Learn how they are different, how to get a ballot in the U.S. or abroad, and meet deadlines.
- Voting Early in PersonEarly voting allows you to vote in person before Election Day. Learn where to get more details about early voting in your state.
Step 3: Research your Candidates and Ballot Measures
Step 3: Research your Candidates and Ballot Measures
Use these resources to educate yourself on the parties and candidates for federal and local elections this year. You can also use some of these resources to obtain a sample ballot so you can see exactly what you will be voting on and do your research before making a final decision.
- BallotpediaThis is a fact-checked credible source of information about election candidates and platforms for both Federal and Local elections. You can also get sample ballots to see what issues will be up for vote this election cycle in your local elections.
- Democratic Party Platform2024 platform of the Democratic Party.
- Republican Party Platform2024 platform of the Republican Party.
- Find My State or Local Election Office Website"Visit your state’s election office website for state-wide voting guidance. Find your local election office contact information for answers to questions about polling locations, in-person registration, and other local questions." (from USA.gov)
- Massachusetts Elections DivisionAll the information you need about voting in the state of Massachusetts.
- PolitifactA fact-checking websites that rates the truthfulness of claims by elected officials and others .
- Presidential Election ProcessLearn about the presidential election process, including the Electoral College, caucuses and primaries, and the national conventions.
- Vote Informed on the Entire Ballot - BallotReadyBallotReady provides personalized ballots and nonpartisan information to voters in all 50 states.
- Congressional Digest & Supreme Court Debates Online This link opens in a new window
Available on-campus only. Monthly “pro/con” reports focused on pending U.S. Congressional legislation and Supreme Court debates, with regular updates as issues evolve.
Step 4: Share your Plans!
Step 4: Share your Plans!
Tell your friends and family what you have learned about the upcoming elections and voting process. The best way to ensure election day accountability is to get a voting buddy- share your voting plans with a friend and then either go together to cast your votes or hold each other accountable for completing the process whatever way you've chosen.