Voting, part deux!
:D yes, I know, MORE VOTE STUFF? Half ye olde flist isn't even American, and some of the ones who are are already voting! What Gives???
In any case, we all know That I love Politics/Poli Sci deep at heart, And we know that as much as I complain and soemtimes wish I lived elsewhere, I love the idea of the USA.
With That in mind, some resources for you. :)
Where Can I Go To Vote?
Check out http://Maps.google.com/vote
If it doesn't have your polling place, it will direct you to the Voting website of your state.
Is there an easy site to find out what's on the ballot?
Yes and No- http://votinginfoproject.org/ Has info for a number of states/locals (Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Los Angelos County CA), but as it's a voluntary project not all states are represented.
If you, like me, aren't in one of the listed locals, type your address into the google maps link above, and click on the link provided for your state's site. Look for county contact links, or see if the main site has a veiw of the local ballots.
(Venango County Folks Can Veiw our info here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddxdvp3p_22ffsxx7fs )
Okay, I know where I'm going. Maybe I know who I'm voting for. What am I allowed to bring?
Good Question! This changes from county to county- some Counties Don't mind Passive Political Speach like a Tee-shirt or a Button. Some counties- Like Venango County- are strict on The topic. If I were to go to my polling place with my Obama Button (Or my boss in her McCain Button!) I would be asked to remove it before entering the building. Some sites might not let you within 200 ft of the polls with a button! It would be a good Idea to look up your local election officials- they are State/County Employees so you should be able to find them via your state website- And ask.
What do I HAVE to bring?
Due to federal law, you need photo ID the first time you vote at a new location. Your Photo ID needs to have the residence that you are voting from- Your ID from when you lived out of state last year won't do. In that case, Have some Non-photo ID to back you up. This can be a recent paycheck, a Utility Bill, Government Issued mail, etc. Personal mail or letters are not accepted. Alternatively, you can use a provisional Ballot. For more info, Check out Your state Voter Guidelines on your state site or on http://www.Declareyourself.com
Am I registered/eligable?
To find out if you are eligable, try this site: http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_2.html
Declare Yourself also has info on who to contact to find out if you are registered:
http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_64717.html
How do I learn what each Candidate stands for?
In the Presidential Race, it's fairly easy. you can find the Candidates of 8 parties and links to their sites Here: http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/candidates.html
Locally, It's generally up to you to search their names. Google them to see what they stand for, or ask their party's Head Quarters for information. Remember to read both sides!
Do you really want me to vote? I'm Voting for (insert other Candidate here)
YES. YES I DO. While I really want my Candidate to win, I think it's more important for Americans to Use their rights. Since one of your rights is the right to vote, I want you to get out there and vote- preferably with your head, but that's not up to me. :) So Yes, Nader, Ron Paul, Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney, Even McCain supporters, I want you to vote. :)
EDIT: Some other VOTE guides:
heidi8: Are You Ready For Tomorrow?(a Voter Checklist)
In any case, we all know That I love Politics/Poli Sci deep at heart, And we know that as much as I complain and soemtimes wish I lived elsewhere, I love the idea of the USA.
With That in mind, some resources for you. :)
Where Can I Go To Vote?
Check out http://Maps.google.com/vote
If it doesn't have your polling place, it will direct you to the Voting website of your state.
Is there an easy site to find out what's on the ballot?
Yes and No- http://votinginfoproject.org/ Has info for a number of states/locals (Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Los Angelos County CA), but as it's a voluntary project not all states are represented.
If you, like me, aren't in one of the listed locals, type your address into the google maps link above, and click on the link provided for your state's site. Look for county contact links, or see if the main site has a veiw of the local ballots.
(Venango County Folks Can Veiw our info here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddxdvp3p_22ffsxx7fs )
Okay, I know where I'm going. Maybe I know who I'm voting for. What am I allowed to bring?
Good Question! This changes from county to county- some Counties Don't mind Passive Political Speach like a Tee-shirt or a Button. Some counties- Like Venango County- are strict on The topic. If I were to go to my polling place with my Obama Button (Or my boss in her McCain Button!) I would be asked to remove it before entering the building. Some sites might not let you within 200 ft of the polls with a button! It would be a good Idea to look up your local election officials- they are State/County Employees so you should be able to find them via your state website- And ask.
What do I HAVE to bring?
Due to federal law, you need photo ID the first time you vote at a new location. Your Photo ID needs to have the residence that you are voting from- Your ID from when you lived out of state last year won't do. In that case, Have some Non-photo ID to back you up. This can be a recent paycheck, a Utility Bill, Government Issued mail, etc. Personal mail or letters are not accepted. Alternatively, you can use a provisional Ballot. For more info, Check out Your state Voter Guidelines on your state site or on http://www.Declareyourself.com
Am I registered/eligable?
To find out if you are eligable, try this site: http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_2.html
Declare Yourself also has info on who to contact to find out if you are registered:
http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_64717.html
How do I learn what each Candidate stands for?
In the Presidential Race, it's fairly easy. you can find the Candidates of 8 parties and links to their sites Here: http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/candidates.html
Locally, It's generally up to you to search their names. Google them to see what they stand for, or ask their party's Head Quarters for information. Remember to read both sides!
Do you really want me to vote? I'm Voting for (insert other Candidate here)
YES. YES I DO. While I really want my Candidate to win, I think it's more important for Americans to Use their rights. Since one of your rights is the right to vote, I want you to get out there and vote- preferably with your head, but that's not up to me. :) So Yes, Nader, Ron Paul, Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney, Even McCain supporters, I want you to vote. :)
EDIT: Some other VOTE guides: