Hi everyone! If you’ve been on the Internet anytime in the last week or so, you’ve probably been reminded that now is the time to register to vote. Election Day (which is really more like Election Week or even Election Month during these crazy COVID times) is on November 3rd–that’s, as of this writing, 40 days away. While that might feel like a long time, it will be here before you know it, and this year, your vote will matter more than ever.

Voting If You’re From Illinois

We’ve collected a few resources for those of you from Illinois (non-Illinoisans, look below!). First, this video from How to Vote in Every State gives a great overview of the process of registering to vote in Illinois, either in person or by mail. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, you can check here. If you’d like to sign up to vote by mail, this website from the State of Illinois can help you out. Finally, check out the Campus Voting Project to find out how you can register to vote from your student address!

Voting If You’re Not From Illinois

I have a confession to make, and it’s one of my deepest, most shameful secrets: I didn’t vote in the 2016 election. Not for any lofty ideological reasons, but because I was living away from home at the time and was just really confused by the process of long-distance voting. So if, like me, you are not from Illinois and are struggling to figure out how to vote in your home state, do I have some good news for you!

Requesting an absentee ballot is actually really easy. If you visit this website, you can request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you– the whole process takes about two minutes.

That said, it’s still important to do a little bit of research to make sure you know what your state’s absentee voting policies and deadlines are, since there’s a surprising amount of variation between states. US News has compiled an awesome guide, so all you have to do is click on your state to view its information and make sure you get that ballot in on time!

You Have Power. Vote!

We know that college is stressful (fun fact: we were once college students ourselves), and that it can be hard to set aside time to vote. That’s probably one of the reasons why voting turnout has been so low among adults ages 18-29 in recent years, but hopefully these resources can make voting quick and painless!

If you’re planning on voting in-person but get nervous at the polls, Ballotpedia can give you a preview of what your ballot will look like so you can plan ahead.

Your vote is important–if you are passionate about change, voting is one of the best ways to make your voice heard to some of the most powerful members of this country. We want you to find your issue, and work to make a difference in whatever way you can. Here on campus, check out College Democrats of Illinois, Illini Republicans, or UIUC Young Democratic Socialists. Across the country, there are countless organizations dedicated to getting out the importance of voting. Some of our favorites include Black Voters Matter, Voto Latino, Native Vote, APIA Vote, Queer the Vote, and My Faith Votes.

Get out and vote! We believe in you and your voice (and get a sticker)!

Written By: Aine and Hannah
Posted By: Ryan