MECA’s very own how-to guide for voting in high school. Teaching students and adults alike the ins and outs of getting their voices heard in this year’s election, debunking myths, sharing tips, and easing anxiety.

How to vote

There are several ways to vote in an election, each offering a different level of convenience and accessibility for each voter. Voting by mail is a popular option that allows voters to receive their ballots at home, fill them out, and return them either by mail or in person. This method is very beneficial for people who may not be able to visit a polling place for various reasons. It also gives voters more time to research candidates and issues before finalizing their decisions.

Connecting with the voting by-mail method, a ballot drop box is another convenient option for  voting. Having the comfort and security to drop off the ballot in a drop box is another common way of voting. Instead of relying on postal services, voters can drop their completed ballots into a secure drop box located at designated spots, usually at voting poll places. This method gives voters more peace of mind knowing their ballots are securely delivered without the worry of any delays or postal issues. 

Another option is in-person voting. It remains the traditional method for many, offering two main options: using a ballot marking device (BMD) or physically filling out a paper ballot. BMD is the most used method for in-person voting as it is an electronic device that allows an individual to make their selections and later print out the finished ballot. Another method for in-person voting would be to manually fill out a paper ballot with a pen. Both methods allow voters to participate on Election Day or during early voting periods. At these in-person voting sites, there are always poll workers to assist the voters if needed. 

Myths/Concerns about voting

Voting and Election Day don’t go by as smoothly as many people think. Although it is a positive thing to share your voice in the current government, it does come with a lot of myths and concerns for many voters. 

Common voting myths include: “If you don’t vote every two years, you can lose your eligibility to vote,” and “if you leave an option blank on your ballot, it won’t be counted.” Both of these myths aren’t true, but instead false news that spread around. If you aren’t active in any elections for two years, you will receive a confirmation notice in the mail and will be able to reactivate your registration. And if you leave an empty option on your ballot, it will still count. Every filled in option on the ballot will be counted except for the option left blank.

Many of these myths lead to concerns that appear when voting season starts. Gabe Nichols, World History and ASB teacher, states, “The other myth is that the government is tracking you. So if you do vote and one candidate wins and becomes a dictator, will they hunt you down or not for supporting them?” 

Another common concern that he shares is the fear of privacy: “ When a lot of people vote, they don’t want others to know how they did; they want to kind of play neutral on it.” These myths and concerns are often brought up by new voters, who just know that they are 100% false. Your vote and your life will be safe, regardless of what is on your ballot. 

Why voting is important 

Voting can change your life and the lives of others. By placing your vote, your opinions can make changes in many things, from equality, the distribution of taxes, and most notably, deciding who represents us in the presidential election. The following are the top three reasons you should vote.

• Choosing leaders

While most focus on the presidential election, Cal State Fullerton describes how your vote can determine “who will run your state and local government… [by] choosing members of the U.S. Congress and the California State Legislature [as representatives].” 

Voting can also affect both state and city leaders, from local mayors to high-ranking representatives in Congress. These influences will allow those who share the views of yourself and others to voice them towards a wider audience, spreading ideas and opinions to spark change within the community.

• Equality

Your vote can also influence the treatment of specific groups, whether they may be a minority, underprivileged, or mistreated. By advocating for certain groups, you can ignite a change in others to do the same, improving the lives of others and your own. As CCR and Senior Seminar teacher Andrea Pedroarias explains, “I felt empowered to include my opinion. Instead of just complaining about the issues in the world, do something about it.”

• Taxes and Jobs

The taxes you get after buying an item aren’t just there for no reason. These small amounts of money contribute to a greater cause: funding. From the roads you drive on to the schools you attend, all of them are funded by taxes and government money. 

Such money can also be used to improve the quality of both your life and the lives of others, especially through your vote. APIAVote reiterates how “your vote chooses how your tax dollars are allocated, who runs your communities, and what projects will get local, state and federal funding.”

Advice

Even in this day and age of constant streams of media and news, History teacher Gabe Nichols mentions how “In order to vote properly… you have to know the issues, and… make sure your sources are reliable.”

By understanding who and what exactly you place your vote for, your vote can be more impactful. Although taking what you have learned and applying it can be hard, staying true to your opinions with the right evidence can make it all the more simple to do.

Furthermore, Pedroarias notes, “If you’re going in person, have the sample ballot pre-filled out, take your time, and be confident with your voting decisions.”

Through voting, your voice can reach a greater audience, bringing change to your community and improving the quality of life. However, you must note that in order to do so, having factual evidence supporting your opinions matters immensely. That being said, in the words of  Mr. Nichols, “Know what you’re voting for,” and you’ll do just fine.

Sources

Choosing leaders: https://www.fullerton.edu/election/why-voting-important/

Taxes and Jobs: https://apiavote.org/how-to-vote/why-vote/

Myths/Concerns about voting: https://www.dixievotes.com/Portals/Dixie/Documents/Election%20Myths2.pdf?ver=Ox_lPve2orbU8EQFdhu3Cw%3d%3d

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/election-2020/election-myths