Every year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, Election Day is held. Election Day is a day designated for the election of public officials. This also includes national elections held for electors of the president and vice president in those years evenly divisible by four. On even years constituents elect members of the House of Representatives for two-year terms and one-third of the Senate for six-year terms.
Voting is a method that allows for the opinions and thoughts of a group, like a meeting or an electorate, to be fairly discussed before a decision is made. Voting allows for your opinions on local ideas, community leaders, and even things like the president of the country.
The real question is “Why do I need to vote?” This question has many answers. Some are:
- Your vote can help people decide the election, especially if it is close. Every vote matters. It is not uncommon for elections to be very close, so if you are passionate about a topic, make sure to express that. Your vote could help you get what you wish for!
- It is an American duty to vote.
- By exercising your right to vote, you help make critical decisions for your community.
- The right to vote is one of our most important freedoms. If we don’t practice our freedoms, we may lose them. Voter suppression has been a problem in our country for decades, by not voting you fail to use the rights you’ve earned.
- Voting allows for your opinions to be heard and accounted for. Your vote allows for your power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community.
To vote in the state of Indiana, you must meet the following requirements of being a U.S citizen, being at least 18 years old, and being a resident of your precinct 30 days before the election. You must register to vote up to 29 days before the election to be eligible. You can register to vote at a county voter registration office, BMV, public assistance office, a mail-in registration form (at a license branch, or clerk’s office), and with a valid driver’s license or state ID online.
Register to vote and take the opportunity!