As the upcoming election season draws nearer with Election Day on Nov. 5, it’s critical that those able exercise their right to vote. That’s not the only date important to keep in mind, though; there are other key points to recognize about this voting season.
The first step to successfully voting is to keep up to date on voter registration. For Idaho residents, one of the easiest ways to register is online. Though the last day to do that for Idaho residents was Oct. 11, Vote Idaho can still help to provide information on one’s preexisting registration status.
This link provides a multitude of helpful measures. Not only can one check a preexisting voter status, but the requirements of what one needs to be a voter are public and additional registration resources can be found as well.
To those who still need to register but missed the online deadline, it’s not too late. With the proper documentation, same-day registration is possible, meaning that someone can go to their local polling place the day of elections and still register.
It is important to have all documents lined up ahead of time, though, so be sure to read up on your county’s electoral needs beforehand. Common documents include a valid photo ID and proof of residency.
To those who are registered to vote but are living away from home, absentee ballots are crucial to keep in mind. Like anything else to do with voting, planning ahead is vital. The deadline to submit for an absentee ballot is slightly extended from registration date as well.
An Idahoan’s absentee ballot request must be received online or by mail 11 days before Election Day, on Oct. 25. This date is subject to vary depending on the state, but information regarding absentee ballot dates from across the nation can be found on this voting website. Filled-in ballots must be received at your county’s election office, not postmarked, by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.
For those who are not permanent Idaho residents, another way to register to vote is to go to Vote.gov, which offers the differing dates and deadlines for each state. This allows you to select any U.S. state from which you can register yourself in.
No matter where one is registering to vote, the same important documents will always be a necessity, so keeping up to date on the requirements for the county applicable to oneself is a must.
More voter information resources can be found on websites such as Vote.org, Vote Idaho and United States Election Assistance Committee.
Voting is less than a month away, so be sure to keep track of need-to-know dates and your registration status.