"Early Voting" Changes the Norm
Make Your Voice Heard
If television ratings can predict voter turnout, you can bet on big numbers for Election Day,
Tuesday, November 4th. According to Nielsen Media Research, thirty-eight million people watched the
presidential candidates accept their party's nominations. While some Americans are bracing for the
Election Day blitz, many Military service men and women, have already voted. Local election
officials are ready for the numbers, sending scores of absentee ballots and relaxing the Election
Day philosophy to allow for the modern convenience of "early voting" by mail or in person.
Election Day is not a national holiday. Few workers have contracts that allow them to take
the day off, and others find that they are unable to fit voting into their busy schedules. Between
"No Excuse" absentee programs, and newer extended voting time periods, 36 of the 50 states will
allow early voting this year. Battle ground states such as Ohio, Virginia and Colorado are included
in this list. According to Time Magazine, as many as one-third of all voters are expected to make
their selection before Election Day.
If you are away from your local polling place this election, request an absentee ballot. Many
localities have deadlines that require you to request and submit your ballot according to a
specific timetable, which you can find online. If you are already registered to vote, the easiest
way to request an absentee ballot is to call your local election official such as a town clerk, or
secretary of state.
Here are some Web sites that can help you make sure your voice is heard.
Absentee voting:
Federal Voting Assistance Program: The FAQ section of this site is especially good for
service members and their families.
http://www.fvap.gov
Overseas Vote Foundation: This site includes nonpartisan voter registration, ballot requests
and help desk services for U.S. Overseas Citizens and Uniformed Services Members and families.
https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org
National Conference of State Legislatures: This site provides a state-by-state explanation of
who counts your absentee ballot and when. It also lists those states in the absentee program who
are "No-excuse States" (you don't have to state a reason for requesting a ballot) and those that
require a witness or notary.
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/legismgt/elect/absentearly.htm
Many have characterized this election as historic turning point for our country. The next
president will make decisions and appointments that determine military, economic and social policy
in domestic and foreign realms for years to come. Equally important are the state and municipal
elections that often appear at the bottom or on the reverse side of your ballot. Nationally, as
many as 15 percent of people fail to complete their ballot. If a lack of knowledge about the other
issues and candidates on the ballot is keeping you from completing the whole ballot, do some
homework now. Preview the ballot online and spend the next few weeks considering the issues,
talking to friends and doing your own research. You can even call the candidates. Think of these
other elected officials as the team behind the new President you hope to elect. Whether you get
your ballot through the mail, or at a local polling place remember to register and vote.
