What To Expect the First Time

Straight up, here is what it might be like when you go to vote.

Find Your Poll: Time To Start Dancing!: We think of it as voting, but really it's getting "polled". That's why they call the place we go vote a polling place. A polling place can be any place that is open to the public: a grocery store, a neighbor's garage, a library, maybe the local swimming pool. And the locations can change! You might be able to early vote in one place, but need to vote on election day at another place. Get a map and get thee to a polling place people!

First Impressions: You can recognize a polling place by all the campaign signs placed exactly as close to the door as legally allowed. There might be a line. If you are voting on November 2nd, the best time to avoid a line is between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Voting can take less than 5 minutes (you could wait longer at Burger King). There may also be pollsters (people who want to ask you questions after you vote) and election watchers (fair voting advocates). NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO INTIMIDATE YOU AT THE POLLS. Please talk to the official election supervisor on site or their supervisor etc if you believe anyone is trying to intimidate voters at your polling place. We want everyone to feel safe and free to vote.

When You Walk In: It is normal to feel a little tingly all over the first time. Your hands might sweat. You could have a temporary brain freeze or get unnaturally tongue tied. Not to worry. You are in good hands (we hope). Do not hesitate to get answers to any questions you might have. It's better to know than to say "Doh!". You should expect be asked to produce photo identification by official election workers.

Are you protected? Do you know your rights as a voter? You must be clear on what is allowed and not allowed under the law so you do not have an unwanted voter rejection-experience (VRE). Help spread awareness of preventing VREs to your friends and family by downloading the Voters Bill of Rights for your state where available(rules may vary in some states). A VRE can be devestating to the health of you and your democracy. Let's do everything we can to avoid an VRE.

Methods For Doin 'It: You might be doing it electronically. If you are reading this online, you are capable of using an electronic voting machine. Some places uses scantrons (pencil in the bubble) or lever machines. If you use a method and it does not work for you, you can request another ballot. Just be sure you don't complete before asking for a substitute. It's important to ask for help if you want a re-do.

Rewards for Voting: Are illegal under US law, however, if you are lucky, not only will you have a satisfied smile on your face, but you might just get a cool "I Voted" sticker.

Inner peace is a beautiful thing, so we invite you to Hey You! Haiku! A simple way to stay zen this election season (and win cash prizes).

Seducing Voters: How Not To Be Denied

We all know a handful of voter hold outs (those who will not even register to vote) and you may well be frustrated in your efforts to be sure that Everybody's Doin' It In '04. There is so much energy and excitement that the grassroots are tingling all over with anticipation to see what will happen. Why anyone who can vote is not stepping up in this historic election is just hard to imagine, but not impossible to cure.

There is nothing more liberating than expressing yourself. However, the voter hold out in your world may not respond to the ideas of duty, democracy, and civic responsibility. They may in fact need to be "massaged" before they are willing to practice safe voting in November. That's ok, because anyone can learn to get the voters they desire with a few simple tools.

You Catch More Voters With Honey:
As in "Hey, honey are you free on Tuesday, November 2nd? I think you and I could make beautiful democracy together. What do you say? Can you schedule in a little afternoon vote?" Lay off the preaching and the pressure and lay on a lot of irresistable charm. If you want your friends to flirt with voting, try flirting with them. Trust me, if they would respond to pressure, they would already be registered.

Don't Neglect the Wallflowers:
Everyone goes after the extroverted hottie, but who is lavishing attention on that sweet, quiet beauty in the corner? A hidden gem of a voter might be right under your nose and you don't even know it. Be sure not to assume everyone has been asked to dance in this election. And be gentle, that wallflower might be quietly hoping no one will ask them to register to vote because they are nervous about the first time. Start with a smile, be patient, and see if you can bring them out of their shell in time for the election.

Be Prepared:
Having an actual voter registration card in your hand or catching that hold out online (where they can access the necessary form) is key to seizing the moment. Stick a few registration cards in your wallet or purse, so when the time is right you will have the tool within your reach. The VoterVirgin Register to Vote link will even print out a postage paid envelope to mail your form in. A prepared motivator is more likely to achieve the desired goal.
*Note: new voters need to include a copy of their ID with the registration form. You can make copies, right?

Keep Your Promises:
If you promise to follow up with a potential voter, do it! The object of your attention may need more information on candidates, polling places, or rules. Never assume they will get this votal information from another source. If you are going to embrace a handful of new voters, you must act responsibly or they will be turned off and your reputation will suffer. Take the VoterVirgin Pledge together and commit to voting together in November.

Advocate Safe Voting Practices:
Being voter-active means acting responsibly, but that does not mean it has to be boring. Safe voting means knowing who you are giving your vote to and knowing how to protect yourself at the polls. Learning how to do this can make you giggle. Check out the VoterVirgin " Everything You Need To Know To Practice Safe Voting" blog and share this with your friends. It will take the mystery out of voting and make you smile at the same time.

If All Else Fails Try the "What If?":
"What if suddenly on November 2nd you really really really want to vote, but you can't because you didn't register?"
"What if between now and the election one of these candidates/issues becomes important to you?"
"What if your grandchildren ask you who you voted for in 2004?"
"What if your mother asks who you voted for?"
"What if that hot crush of yours only dates voters?"
"What if voting is the cure for apathyitis and you miss the election?"

Registration deadlines start as early as October 4th! You might have only a few days left to seduce the potential voter in your community!

So get out there tiger and charm the pants off those voter hold outs!

Willing Partners: Questions About Voluntary Participation

A few readers have asked about volunteering in the 2004 election. Many people feel compelled to participate at a deeper level in this year's election. Voluntary participation is a beautiful thing. Willing partners in your community have opportunities for you to explore your role in our democracy. Here are a few ways you can join in on the fun:

Campaign Headquarters: Party headquarters and local campaign offices will take you in and put you to work today! You could be making phone calls, sealing envelopes, knocking on doors surrounded by like minded people. Ever wonder what the inner workings of a campaign looks like? This is your foot in the door.


Be Locally Official: You, yes, you (!) can be an offical election polling place worker. Worried about your community being turned away from the polls? What if you were sitting behind the table? Local county officials will train you and put you to work at the polls. See your local county election official for details. Rules vary by state.

An Eye On The Prize: If you prefer to work outside the official system and feel compelled to observe the election, two words: Election Protection.

Mobilize The Masses: If everyone that voted in 2000 took one new voter to the polls, we would have 100% participation. If you register just one person to vote, you are doing your part. Buddy up with some friends and get your vote on. Be sure your friends are prepared to practice safe voting and have some fun getting ready. You can also volunteer to drive voters to the polls on election day (check with the county political party of your choice).

If you are curious about elections and plan to be voter-active, find an evening or a Saturday afternoon and seek out a willing partner in your community. Part of practicing safe voting is knowing who you are giving your vote to. An hour or two licking stamps in the office will give you time to get acquainted in a relaxed environment. If you are seeking a more civic relationship, get thee to the polls and help others avoid that dreaded VRE (Voter Rejection Experience).

Your participation as a responsible voter is key to the health of you and your democracy. And who knows, maybe you will get a cool t-shirt or two out of the deal.

Just The Facts: Sorting Out Your Voter Needs

Does your heart tell you one thing and your head another? Are you worried you might not choose wisely come November? The fact is eventually you will have your heart broken if you are vote-active. In order to prepare for the emotional consequences big and small, you should ask yourself a few important questions.

What relationships are most important to you? With everything from county judges to the president, you are being asked to cast your precious vote by a lot of people, maybe some you know better than others. Who do you need to research to feel more confident? Will you be voting straight party or getting more personal in November? Is there a bond issue you want to explore? Now is the time to figure out what makes you passionate and is most likely to make you smile the day after.

What needs do you expect a candidate to meet? Make a list of your top ten personal concerns. Then go over to SelectSmart and see how it all adds up.

Are you protected? Do you know your rights as a voter? You must be clear on what is allowed and not allowed under the law so you do not have an unwanted voter rejection-experience (VRE). Help spread awareness of preventing VREs to your friends and family by downloading the Voters Bill of Rights for your state where available(rules may vary in some states). A VRE can be devestating to the health of you and your democracy.

Is you candidates reputation unfair? I mean, come on, public figures are subject to a lot of gossip, especially when they are vying for your vote. Good thing we have Fact Check.

Can you support your candidates position? Would you take your candidate home to meet the folks? Check out you favorite's platform before you dive into vote. You don't want to wake up on November 3rd and discover you have very different core values. Radio clip info version for all you audiophiles here.

Do you need to talk about this more? There are a wide range of forums available where you can discuss your passions, ask questions, and listen to others. We recommend the Speak Up channel over at bolt.com . Leave a comment here and let us know your favorite forum for chatting up before the big event.

The important thing is that you feel prepared and comfortable before you go out into the world to vote. Ask questions now to avoid regrets later. Voting is a natural, human behavior that makes it fun to be an adult. The more you know, the more confident you will be when the time comes. And be sure all your friends are practicing safe voting as well!

Don't be shy! If you have a question, the VoterVirgin blog team deliver an answer before November 2nd.....

Absentee Voting Alert!

Deadlines to apply for an absentee ballot are coming up quickly!
(As early as September 2nd: aka next week, slacker!)

Why might you want an absentee ballot?

Worried about having your vote counted? Absentee ballots do provide a paper receipt in the case of a recount. That is, if you get it in the mail on time, etc.

Maybe you are away from your home district and want your vote to count where your heart is. In most cases, you are allowed the choice between residence (but you have to choose).

Maybe you are really busy and know you will not make it to the polls, or you want time to sit with the ballot at home. Maybe it's a physical challenge to go vote.

In most states you do not need a reason to receive an absentee ballot.

How do you get your absentee ballot?

You need to check your state's rules to be sure you qualify and then apply for an absentee ballot.

Check out our previous post "How To Vote Like A Rock Star" for instructions.

If this is your preferred method of voting, you must take responsibility for your actions ASAP and get on it already. Absentee voting is not for everyone. It takes a lot of attention to detail if this is how you choose to participate in your democracy. But once you have done it, it's like riding a bike.

Please let us know if you have more specific questions. We will do our best to sort through the red tape and get you a straight answer.

next post: Just The Facts: Sorting Out Your Voter Needs

Get Thee To A Polling Place

Contrary to urban legend, a polling place is not where strippers dance during the elections, though that might increase turnout (of both supporters and protesters). Your polling place is your special place to cast that ballot. It could be almost anywhere: in a church or school or a neighbor's garage or a roller rink or at the skate park (I wish). The important thing is knowing where to go when it's time to vote.

How to figure out where you vote:: If you have received your voter registration card, look for the precint number. States are divided into counties and then precincts. Your precinct has a unique polling place and this is where you will vote.

Lists of polling places are published and posted publicly just before any election. The best place to get the latest information is your local newspaper or your county election official. Most election officials have web sites now where you can be sure you are registered to vote, find your polling place, and get answers to local questions. The easiest way to find your election official is to google: your state+county+election.

Here is the break down of election officials in your state : Your Secretary of State oversees the county level election officials. The county trains election judges and polling place workers* to man the polls. If you go to vote and there is a problem, the election judge should be able to recolve the issue, or they will call the county clerk, who in turn will call the state office, until the issue is resolved.

What you will find when you get to the polling place: When you walk in you will be asked for your voter registration card. First time voters (and in some states) you are required to show a picture id as well. The polling place workers will then verify that you are eligible to vote and then you will usually be required to sign the roster. Your precinct may use any number of machines from pull levers to the controversial electronic machines. People will be on hand to answer any questions you have about how they work. Don't be shy. You want to be sure your chad is not left dangling....

In many states there are primary elections being held over the next month. If you are now registered to vote, go ahead and get your feet wet in the primary. Primary elections are run offs to see which candidates will be on the ballot in November. The League of Women Voters is a good resource for candidate information, but you might need to tap into local party resources for smaller races.


*Note: You, yes you, can be an election judge or polling place worker if you are eligible to vote. It's simple (really) and training is provided by your county election officials. Most positions are paid (how about some cash?) and you can choose how many hours you work. So, how about adding a smiling face to that musty old polling place?

Voter Issue: Should Voting Be Natural?

Does a voter do it in the woods? Maybe, maybe not, but one thing most Americans agree on is protecting those woods (and the wetlands, and the wildlife, and the air we breathe). The EPA was created by Richard NIxon (a Republican) but 2 out of 3 Americans believe the Democrats do a better job of defending the environment. Whether or not the environment is a top priority is up to you, but really, like Smokey the Bear would say, you and only you can prevent forest fires....

Where do you stand on the earth?

According to the League of Conservation Voters, 82% of Americans said that they worry personally about pollution of drinking water, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Who wants to put dirty water in their mouth? Eeewwwww.

The Sierra Club compares the records of Bush and Kerry on environmental issues but they are often percieved as "left-leaning" (a lovely fun bunch of creative activists, really) so we thought it only fair to include a conservative counterpoint

As the earth issues continue to spin, you might just want to get scientific about it, check out the Center for International Earth Science Information Network or get literal with at about.com and their helpful environmental library of environmental issues and resources.

Chances are, a lot of voters will be feeling green when they go to vote this fall. It's not easy being green, at least if you are a frog in love with a pig and you have someone's hand stuck up your .....but it should be easy to be informed.



Have a question or a suggestion? Comment below or e-mail info@votervirgin.com


next post: Get thee to the polling place!