What to Expect for Your First Time at the Polls

Voting for the first time can be overwhelming and confusing. However, there are certain measures you can take to relieve some of the stress.

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For many young, first-time voters, there may be some confusion surrounding what to do after registering to vote. After registering to vote, you can expect your voter registration card to come in the mail within the month. Once you receive your card, you are good to go! You can either bring your government-issued ID or your voter registration card to the polls. It is recommended to bring an ID or Driver’s License if you ca,n so that you do not lose your voter registration card.

Before election day, be sure to find a polling place that is convenient for you. If you have never been to the location before, it may be beneficial to scout it out before election day, so you know what to expect. If you do not have time to scout out the location, no worries! There will be many helpful individuals there on election day—as well as signage—to help guide you to the right place.

Another step you can take before election day is to view a sample ballot. The first time I voted, I was very overwhelmed by all the sections and unfamiliar names on the ballot. Viewing a sample ballot beforehand can help you understand what to expect on election day. When you access the ballot on election day, you are not required to fill out all the information. Many people just vote for the president and that’s it! However, each of the people will have an “R” or “D” so that you may easily vote for the candidate from your preferred political party.

An important, often overlooked, aspect of voting is that you cannot wear anything that may be considered “electioneering.” This means that you cannot wear a certain political candidate’s merchandise because it could be seen as advocating for or against a candidate on the ballot. Electioneering is illegal within a certain distance from a polling place while the election is taking place. So, be prepared to wear a neutral outfit.

When you arrive at the polling place on election day in your neutral outfit, be ready to give the worker your ID at the check-in station. You will then be handed a ballot to fill out at your own discretion. You then must place your ballot into the vote-counting machine. It will let you know if it counted your ballot. Then you are done!

Be sure to get your “I Voted” sticker on the way out.