My Commons Life

News & features about the Vanderbilt Commons from the students who live here

MCL Top Five: Reasons To Register To Vote

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Registering to vote is the best way to express your political opinions. After talking with Vandy Votes member Yotam Peer, here is some helpful information about registering and the top 5 reasons to register to vote. 

Helpful Information:

  1. What state do I register for?
    1. Registering from your home state is highly recommended. For college students it is recommended that you vote for the state your permanent housing resides in. This College Student Voter Registration guide may help you dictate where home is for you. 
  2. When is the deadline to register?
    1. The deadline to register fluctuates depending on your home state. If you need help finding your states’ registration date here is a helpful website. 
  3. How do I register?
    1. You can register in person or online. Check your state’s rules about registering, however here is a helpful link. 

With Yotam’s helpful information here are the top five reasons to register to vote:

  1. Registering to vote is the best way to express your political opinions. Voting allows you to actively influence the kinds of people and policies that end up in the government. 
  2. Even if you feel that voting is a waste of your time or you don’t like any of the candidates, registering to vote can still be helpful for many reasons.
    1. Policies that end up on the ballot could impact your everyday life 
    2. Registering to vote early makes everything easier later 
    3. If you change your mind about a candidate or policy later in the election process you may not be able to vote depending on the state you’re in. 
  3. Voting can be a quick and easy task if you plan for it
    1. Register on time 
    2. Know if you’re voting absentee or in-person. If absentee, mail your ballot on time and if you’re in person, research where your polling site is as well as when it will be the least busy. 
    3. Know what to expect at the ballot box (what positions are open, who’s running, and what laws are on the table). 
  4. Student Voters Matter! Voting allows you to stand up for your community and what you believe in. It also allows you to be an engaged citizen.
  5. It allows you to actively engage in our democracy.