Midterms 2018: Three Steps to Get Out The Vote

October is drawing to a close, which means that it is almost time for the 2018 Midterm Elections! By now, many of us have already voted early or absentee, but if you haven’t (and even if you have), the NCIL Voting Rights Subcommittee has some tips on how to get out the vote yourself and to encourage others to vote. 

1. Make a voting plan: a good way to make a voting plan is to make a checklist of the information you need to look up. Do you know:

• How you’re going to get to the polls? Make sure to arrange your transportation.
• Where your polling place is and what its hours are? Check with your Secretary of State’s office or look up your polling place on Vote411.org.
• What identification you may need at the polls? Vote.org has information on what identification you may need in your state.
• Who and what is on your ballot? You can get a sample ballot from your local election office, or visit BallotReady to look at your sample ballot.
• Bonus Tip: don’t just know what’s on your ballot, know who you want to vote for! Scan your local media for voter guides, or connect with your local League of Women Voters, and research any ballot measures to make sure you understand what they mean.

2. Encourage five other people to vote: don’t just get out your own vote, encourage others to vote too! Set a goal, to encourage others to vote and contact them between now and Election Day to ensure that they have a voting plan as well. If you need tips on how to contact your friends and family about voting, take a look at NCIL’s 2018 GOTV Guide. Offer to help them look up their polling place, ID requirements, and other basic voting information to help them get to the polls.

3. Report any difficulties: hopefully, your voting experience will go smoothly and you will have no trouble casting your ballot. However, if you experience a challenge or barrier, there are resources available to assist you:

• If you experience a disability-related challenge, contact your state Protection and Advocacy Agency’s voter hotline.
• If you experience a general voting barrier, contact Election Protection Coalition at 1-866-OUR-VOTE 
• If you experience an access barrier or a difficulty casting your ballot related to having a disability, contact NCIL Disability Vote Organizer Sarah Blahovec, at [email protected].