November is fast approaching, and college student voter turnout is more important than ever. Over 15 million people have turned 18 since the last presidential election in 2016. This led to the highest 18-year-old voter turnout in 2018’s midterm election. Election workers are expected to see an even larger 18 to 22-year-old voter turnout for the upcoming general election.
U.S. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. This year, there is one president, one vice president, 35 senate seats, 435 house seats, 11 governor seats, 10 attorney generals, seven secretary of state seats and 280 state supreme and appellate court seats on the ballots.
It is important to research the candidates before voting. This will make sure you are making the right decision based on your interests and passions.
You must decide if you want to vote in your home or college state. This is a matter of personal preference. Do you want to vote in a swing state? Through mail or on-campus? These options will determine where you choose.
The first step is to register to vote. This can be done online, via mail or in-person. If you are voting by mail, you will receive an absentee ballot to the address you have provided. Colorado and most other states begin mailing out ballots a few weeks before the election. You are able to track the shipping status of your ballot to ensure it will arrive on time.
If you are unsure if you have already registered, you can use the same website to check your registration.
You may also need to change your voter registration address if you have moved since the recent election. This can be easily done online by updating your registration to a new address.
It is important to fill out the ballot carefully and double-check that all of your information is correct. Ballot scanners are sensitive to any stains and marks outside of the bubbles. Also, make sure to complete all spots that require a signature, as this is crucial in validating your voter registration.
Once you have completed your ballot, it is time to follow the instructions enclosed in the envelope. Most state ballots require you to fill out both sides of the envelope and place your ballot inside to be mailed back to your polling place or dropped off at city-designated ballot boxes.
Due to the recent defunding of the USPS, it is recommended to mail your ballot before Oct. 26 to ensure your vote is counted and arrives on-time. A higher volume of ballots is expected this year, so sending your vote in early will give election workers enough time to make sure everyone’s vote is counted.
Although voting by mail will be more common this year due to COVID-19, it is still possible to vote in person. In Colorado, the polls will open at 7 a.m., and it is recommended to arrive early, bring water and a snack and wear a mask. DU will have its own mobile voting location on Driscoll Green. There are also polling centers at the Harvard Gulch Recreation Center, South High School, Washington Park Recreation Center, Kirk of Bonnie Brae and a 24-hour ballot drop-off box at the Denver Police Department on University Boulevard.
Make your voice heard and vote!
