Because of the stark contrasts between candidates, the 2024 elections in the U.S. are of tremendous importance.
This is true of elections from the most local to the Presidency.
This is a collection of resources on voter registration, voting rules, getting out the vote, and volunteering as poll workers.
As states are always updating their registration lists and their rules to vote, it is essential that you know what is going on locally.
- Do you need a photo ID?
- Do I have to prove citizenship?
- What are the cutoffs for absentee and mail voting?
- Have polling places and drop boxes been relocated or removed?
Everyone needs to know the rules and make sure your family and friends know the rules.
The more of us who vote the better chance we have of a civil society and governments that works for us.
Poll Workers
Vet the Vote trains veterans to work as poll workers.
Help with Voter ID laws
Vote Riders is focused on Voter ID laws and assisting voters in getting the right ID for their state. You can check if you are in compliance.
Register:
There is still time to register to vote!
A portal to all States is
- The National Voter Registration Day website.
- And here is a link to their Register to Vote page.
- The League of Women Voters has a page on Election Information you Need and a call to sign up as a Poll Worker (you might even get paid).
- Here is a quick link to find Voter Registration Deadlines at Vote.org
- Vote.org has quick links to each state. Here are some specific links.
- When We All Vote has a Voting 101 on How to Vote. There is a checklist.
Additional Resources and Websites
These are some websites that I have invested some time in curating what they offer. Please support their efforts, pass along the links, and volunteer.
Vote Forward uses volunteers to contact voters
“We’ve shown that Vote Forward letters can boost voter turnout by as much as 3.4 percentage points. This is big! Our handwritten letters are among the most effective ways you can help get out the vote.”
Postcards to Swing States use volunteers to boost turnout.
“Sign-ups for postcards are back open as we make a final push for 40 million postcards! We will likely send you postcards for a competitive US House district or Florida, though we have some additional voter lists for swing states.”
Groups in Specific States
Michigan, University of Michigan, and Students Around the State
Absentee Ballots and Voting in Michigan
Students at U Michigan and Around Michigan
From Dean Jonathan Overpeck (20240924)
Election Day (November 5) is quickly approaching, so I wanted to share some important information and resources that will make voting easier and more accessible for you. For instance, did you know that even if you are from out of state, you can vote in Ann Arbor, and that there are extra days for early voting so you can skip the lines? More details are below. Your voice matters, so please make it be heard in this critical election year!
First, the UMich Votes website, govote.umich.edu, provides nonpartisan, accurate and timely registration and voting information for the campus community. If you have any questions at all about the voting process, you’ll find answers on this website. The nonpartisan, vetted student group, Turn Up Turnout (TUT), is also a valuable resource for voting information. Stop by the TUT tables on campus to get your questions answered; you can find tabling locations here.
Second, in the spirit of civic engagement and to underscore the importance of voting, I invite you to join me for a Walk to the Polls community event on November 1 at noon. We’ll enjoy lunch together in the Dana Commons, then walk over to the U-M Museum of Art (one of our Campus Voting Hubs) and cast our ballot together. RSVP here. In addition, PitE is hosting a voter registration/engagement event on October 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Dana Commons where you can make get-out-the-vote friendship bracelets and pick up VOTE! temporary tattoos.
How to Register to Vote
Students can choose to vote in Ann Arbor, elsewhere in Michigan or in their home state. This means students can register to vote with their local or permanent address. There are numerous options for registering to vote in Ann Arbor, but the easiest way is to register online through October 21 with a Michigan driver’s license or state ID. Starting October 22, you’ll need to register in person at one of our Campus Voting Hubs or at Ann Arbor City Hall. Remember: The sooner you decide where to register to vote, the more time you’ll have for meeting registration deadlines.
How to Vote
You have options for how—and when—you can vote. In Michigan, you can vote before Election Day. Starting 40 days before the election, you can vote with an absentee ballot. Starting October 26, you can take advantage of nine days of early voting. The UMich Votes website has more information about voting options wherever you are registered.
Campus Voting Hubs
There are two voting hubs on campus, where you can register or update your address; request a ballot; vote your ballot on site; or drop off your absentee ballot at an official dropbox. The Central Campus location opens today (September 24). Hours and locations are below.
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U-M Museum of Art (Central Campus), 525 S. State St.: September 24–November 5, 12-6 p.m. M-F
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Duderstadt Center (North Campus), 2281 Bonisteel Blvd.: October 21–November 5, 12-6 p.m. M-F
Know Your Ballot
Ballots are different depending on where you vote, so consider previewing your ballot ahead of time. The better you know the issues and candidates on your ballot, the better you can determine what’s most important to you and understand the power of your vote. Ballots for Michigan and other states are available on the UMich Votes website.
Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment and Global Engagement
We recognize that not all members of our community are eligible to vote, however, we still strongly encourage civic engagement in the democratic process. Whether through advocacy, education, dialogue or supporting others in making informed choices, there are many ways to be involved.
The Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement is a campus-wide initiative that celebrates the importance of democratic values. Over the next year, you can participate in events and opportunities that emphasize deep listening, collaboration and active participation, qualities central to the U-M experience and essential to a vibrant democracy. Visit the Year of Democracy website to learn more.
League for Conservation Voters in Michigan has an excellent voter access effort.
North Carolina
Effort to increase Latino voter turnout in NC.
Public Schools First in North Carolina provides voter information and guides for North Carolina.
Georgia
Fair Fight in Georgia works to assure access to polls and that votes get counted. They have a collection of resources on how to identify and challenge voter suppression.
- Fair Fight Volunteer Drive form
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Science in Society and Democracy
I am a scientist, and I believe that science-based research and evidence-based policy are essential to our country’s future. Here are a couple of links focused on science in the upcoming elections.
League of Conservation Voters: Climate Vote 2024
American Geophysical Union: Science Voters for the Future
Union of Concerned Scientists: Building a Healthier Democracy