Your Vote, Your Voice: The Ultimate Guide to Rocking the 2024 Election!

By Mimi Halpern, 18ByVote and Sara Gifford, ActiVote

Civic Season is a new American tradition that unites our newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, with our oldest federal holiday, July 4th. Co-created by young people and the nation’s history institutions, Civic Season is about learning about the past to power our future.

As a young person your voice matters, and voting is a powerful way to make it heard especially in the upcoming 2024 election. You may be wondering though “how can I make informed, thoughtful decisions when I vote?” That’s where 18byVote and Activote comes in with this comprehensive guide to equip you with the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions on Election Day.

• Check out the 2024 50-State Election Guide: Get all of the information about voting in your state at Activote.net
• Explore the history of Voting in the U.S.: Understanding the history of voting rights in the United States is crucial. Learn about the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our democracy. Explore more at CivicSeason
• Discover the Founders’ Questions: Delve into key questions the founders faced and how their answers apply to today’s choices. Gain insights at EnduringQuestions
• Check Your Voter Registration Status: Before the voter registration deadline, ensure you’re registered at the correct address and with the right party affiliation. Even if you think you’re registered, double-check at 18byVote.
• Find Your Polling Place: Locate your polling place and its operating hours. Plan your visit in advance to ensure you have ample time to cast your vote. Find your polling place here.
• Request an Absentee Ballot if Needed: If you’re away from home for college, travel, military service, or have other reasons preventing you from voting in person, request an absentee ballot.
• Check Voter Identification Laws: In 35 states, you need to present identification to vote. Understand what forms are acceptable in your state by visiting VoteRiders.
• Check What’s on Your Ballot: Beyond the presidential race, familiarize yourself with local and state candidates, as well as ballot measures. Research using the ballot lookup tool and prepare a sample ballot for Election Day.
• Know Your Voting Rights at Work: Different states have policies regarding time off to vote, including potential paid leave. Understand your rights and plan accordingly with resources from Dorsey
• Sign Up for Election Reminders: Stay informed with localized election updates via email or SMS. Sign up for reminders
• Prepare to Be An Informed Voter: Understand your beliefs and questions around “how did we get here” as a nation. Dive into the credible resources assembled at TheCivicSeason.com.

These resources will ensure you’re ready to cast an informed vote on Election Day! Use these tools to build your Election Day checklist complete with the time you want to be at the polls, how you’re getting there, and what forms of identification you’ll need to bring with you.

Now that you’re ready to vote, pass these resources onto your friends and family to support your community in making their voices heard!