This is a personal project I have been working on over the weekend, mostly out of frustration and fear for my future. This election season is probably the one that is most impactful to me. It is my hope this blog post will spread awareness to everyone to get out and vote. The information presented in all of the following slides is intended to be as nonpartisan as it can be. I originally wanted this to be a 50+ part thread on the Threads social platform, but its getting shut down as spam. However, my life is literally riding on this election (more on that in a future blog post) and I need everyone who cares about the LGBTQ+ community to vote. So I decided to put this directly in my website.
I am transgender, and right now far right-wing groups are looking to put the former president back in power and push an extreme agenda that will take away my medications, block gender affirming treatment, and possibly criminalize my right to exist. I consider their agenda a legitimate threat to my life and the estimated 1.6 million Americans who identify as transgender.
So this is a 51-part guide to explain each state’s voting rules. Including the deadline to register to vote, dates for early voting, options for absentee or mail-in voting, and what ID rules there are in order for you to vote. I encourage you to download any of these slides and share them with your friends and family in the state they live in to help get them motivated.
First, an important disclaimer...
Information presented is sourced from designated official sources as marked on the bottom of each image. This includes official information from each secretary of state/elections website for all states along with reputable nonpartisan sources including vote.gov, vote.org, and ncsl.org. Deadlines timed for the general election only.
Information presented is updated as of July 28, 2024, However, you should always double check your elections or secretary of state government
website for up-to-date voter information for your state.
Consider this as a general guide, for your reference only.
Five Steps to Planning Your Vote
#1 KNOW YOUR DEADLINES
Each state has different deadlines for voter registration, absentee ballot application, absentee ballot submission, and early voting. Try to plan 7 days in advance if it requires mailing something in like a voter registration by mail or an absentee ballot application.
#2 LOCATE YOUR ELECTION OFFICE
Immediately take the time to learn where your county clerk or election office is located. Be sure to write down their website, phone number, and address. Also know where your office is exactly located in case you need to get to it. Note where your actually vote may not be at your election office, but knowing this helps you know where to go to resolve problems like voter registration or absentee ballot applications.
#3 VERIFY THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE
Even if you voted in previous elections some states will REMOVE your name from active voter rolls. Some states allow you to check your voter registration status online, some you may need to visit the county clerk or election office to find out. In any case, you should try to register to vote as soon as possible to allow you time for other steps.
#4 IF NEEDED, APPLY FOR THE ABSENTEE BALLOT ASAP
For many, voting by absentee is essential to make sure that you can vote. Most states allow you to vote by absentee even without an excuse. Remember to allow ample time to mail in your absentee ballot, then to receive your absentee ballot, and then time to mail in your completed ballot to be tallied on election day.
#5 GET OUT AND VOTE
If you are voting by absentee, remember to check your absentee ballot deadlines. Many states require they receive the ballot by election day, and not necessarily by when it is postmarked. Again, check your deadlines!
Early voting is a great option to ensure you can give yourself plenty of time to vote. Just remember to check on where you can participate on early voting and account for times when voting is not available, such as weekends.
If voting on election day, be prepared for long line waits depending on your precinct. Pack your own food and water, as some states don’t allow others to bring you food or water while in line. Also wear comfortable clothes for the weather on election day. It could be really cold, really hot, raining or snowing depending where you live. Also consider the needs for your children if you have any, especially if you need to spend all day to be in line to vote.
Definitions to common terms...
Voter Registration – The process of registering for your right to vote in your jurisdiction (precinct, district, or county). For most states you can do this online, some states require you to mail in an application for registration or you need to register in person at your local county clerk.
Same Day Registration – Same Day Registration during either early voting or on election day allows you get registered and immediately vote in that election. Note you typically must be willing to vote right away when applying for same day registration.
Early Voting – Sometimes referred to as in-person absentee voting for some states. This is the window of opportunity where you can report to your precinct or vote center and cast your vote before election day.
Absentee Voting – This is a process where you apply to vote by mail because you cannot attend early voting or election day. Some states require you to have a valid excuse such as proof of being out of your precinct on election day or you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from getting to your polling place.
Mail-in Voting State – Some states and the District of Columbia will primarily run their elections by mail, every registered voter will receive their ballot into their mailbox and can mail it back or drop it off at designated drop boxes.
Vote Centers – Some states establish locations where anyone in the state or county can vote in regardless of the district or precinct they actually live in.
Drop Boxes – Drop boxes are designated drop-off locations where your absentee or mail- in ballot is directly collected by the election officials for your jurisdiction and do not require paid postage.
Identification Requirements – States have different rules and laws governing proof of ID. Some request ID especially when doing same-day registration and voting. Some also require a photo ID like a Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, or State Issued ID card.
Provisional Ballot – A provisional ballot is often used to allow you to vote if you cannot provide ID or proof of your registration at the time of voting on election day. Provisional ballots are not immediately counted and will only be counted when the issue that prevented you from voting on a regular ballot is resolved.
Thanks everyone...
If you or a friend found any of this helpful in your planning for the elections, please let me know in a comment below or on my socials on Twitter, Threads, or Instagram.
Get registered and vote… SERIOUSLY!!
If you loved this work, consider contributing to my ko-fi fund. I am raising a small fund to be ready in case the worst should come, and I need to get out of the country for my safety. In any case, thanks again, for reading and helping me and everyone out there to get out the vote.
#IUnderstandTheAssignment
