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Turning 18 is a momentous occasion filled with newfound freedoms and responsibilities. With the responsibility of becoming an adult comes the privilege to vote—a powerful way to shape the country's future for the next four years. As we continue to recognize and celebrate the strength of diverse voices in our government, it's essential for every young woman to understand the impact she has on our current political landscape.

We've got the ultimate voting guide crafted just for you new voter girlies. From registration to staying informed, we've got you covered!

Registering to vote

The first step on your voting journey is registering. This can typically be done online, at your local election office or at your local DMV. You can visit vote.gov to access your state's government website to register to vote (all states except for North Dakota require you to register to vote ahead of the election!). Be sure to check your state's registration deadlines, since they vary for each location. Your state's election website also contains information on how to mail in your registration or process it in person at your local DMV.

The election process

It's important to familiarize yourself with the electoral process ahead of casting your vote in order to make informed decisions. You can learn more about the Electoral College, primary elections and caucuses at websites like Vote411.org and Ballotpedia.org. Both offer easy-to-understand resources to ease yourself into the process and learn how your vote contributes to the overall election results in your state and nationwide.

Other media platforms like Rock the Vote and TurboVote have information about registration, election dates and polling locations. You can start today by following along on social media to stay updated on candidates and election news.

@headcountorg

Educating yourself on the candidates

While the official candidates for the 2024 presidential election have yet to be decided, it's easy to dive into the running candidates' stances on key issues such as healthcare, education, climate change and social justice on their websites.

Democrats and Republicans are the two major parties that earn a majority of the votes, with other parties (think: Independent) making up the minority. Currently, primary elections are running until September—which is a voting process that lets voters choose who they want in their party to become their candidate in the elections. You can stay up-to-date on the process through the news sources, candidate websites and by watching debates and town halls. 

Participating in local elections

While the presidential election takes the spotlight, local elections have a direct impact on your community. When you go to turn in your vote, your ballot will also have candidates for local offices such as city council, school board or mayor. Catch up on local forums or debates to gain insights into their positions on issues that matter most to you on your mayor's website or city's local news.

Voting day

The US Vote Foundation provides all information for each state's individual voting process, including voting dates. The 2024 presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 5, but many states offer a host of voting dates and times for convenience. Check out your state's government website to find out when you can start voting before visiting your city's website to find your polling locations and times to fill out your ballot.

Early voting and absentee ballots

Life can be unpredictable, and election day may not always align with your schedule—especially if you're attending college out of state! Don't worry, there's an option to participate in early voting or obtain an absentee ballot to cast your vote at a more convenient time. Make sure to understand the specific requirements and deadlines associated with these alternatives when you are registering to vote—it's different for each state, so be sure to do your research ahead of time.

As a newly eligible voter, encourage your friends to participate in the voting process! Every vote matters: Your collective voice can make a significant impact! By arming yourself with knowledge, participating in the electoral process and encouraging others to do the same, you can become an active participant in our country's democracy. Happy voting!

Slider image: @votedotorg
Top image: @whenweallvote
All GIFs via Giphy

by By Megha Gupta | 3/5/2024