Tips From Rock the Vote and the Brennan Center for Justice:
This is an exciting election and millions of students will be voting for the first time. Leading voting rights experts from Rock the Vote and the Brennan Center for Justice offer these six simple tips for students in the week before the election.
1. Be Prepared: Know where your polling place is, when it opens and closes, and what you have to bring. www.GoVote.org and (866) OUR-VOTE are great resources to get the information you need for Election Day. It’s a good idea to check even if you’ve voted before, because polling places and requirements can change.
2. Know Your Rights : There are a lot of false rumors out there. Know what your rights are. Eligible registered voters cannot be denied the right to vote because they are students at local universities. You will not lose your parents’ insurance by voting, and your parents will not lose a tax deduction if you vote. The Brennan Center has a Student Voting Rights Guide available at: http://www.brennancenter.org/studentvoting.
3. Know Your State’s Rules: Thirty-one states allow early voting-in many cases this is the best and easiest way to vote. Seven states allow voter registration on Election Day. www.RockTheVote.com has all the information you need to know.
4. Wait in Line: This is an exciting election and experts predict that turnout will be higher than it’s been in years. Student voting rights groups have been working hard to make sure there are plenty of voting machines, so most lines will be much shorter than in past years. If you come prepared, you’ll be doing your part to keep lines short.
5. Don’t Take No for an Answer: If you’re having trouble at the polls, don’t leave or give up! Voting is a right. Call (866) OUR-VOTE for expert help. As a last resort you should insist on a provisional ballot.
6. Vote! You’ve heard it all before, but it really is true-voting gives you power. Bring your roommates, friends and neighbors with you this year and vote!
If you’re interested in interviewing or booking an expert from the Brennan Center, Rock the Vote or other student voter rights groups, please contact Caitlin Petre at (212) 584-5000 or [email protected].
