You’ve seen the yard signs, you’ve heard the political ads… you know it’s election season. But when is the election? And why should you care, anyway? Let’s see if I can answer some of your questions.
When is the election?
Tuesday, November 6.
I’m just one person. Does my vote even matter?
It may feel like your one little vote couldn’t possibly make much difference, but it truly does. In the August 2018 Republican primary for the Kansas Governor, the difference between the top two candidates was only 110 votes (far less than the readership of this blog). And throughout history, there have been many examples of extremely close elections. Make sure your voice is included when those votes are tallied.
OK, but I don’t know who any of these people are. Why should I vote for them?
Do you care about your kid’s school and the funding it receives? Do you care about your property values or how much you pay in taxes? What about your access to birth control or your health insurance? Healthcare, education, equal rights, #metoo, immigration, the minimum wage, the environment, trade, gun safety, the economy, etc. etc. etc. These are the kind of issues that your elected officials get to decide for you. Vote for the officials who truly represent your point of view.
But how do I find out what the candidates stand for?
During this midterm election, your ballot may include all kinds of different candidates and various local ballot measures. Search for your county + sample ballot to find out what will be on your ballot. Once you know who and what is on your ballot, do your research. Google those candidates. If they are incumbents, look at their voting history. Do they agree with you on the issues you care about? Look past the rhetoric and campaign slogans to see what these candidates really stand for. If you can’t find good information online, call their offices and ask. (If all else fails, ask that one friend on Facebook who can’t shut up about election stuff to help you find info.)
I’m still not convinced that I should vote. What else?
Think about your kids. We all teach our kids to stand up for what they believe in. Voting is an extension of this. Teach them from a young age how important it is to vote. Take them to the voting booth with you. In my family, we participate in advance voting so we can all go together. My husband and I load up the kids, and with our voting research notes in hand, we head to the polls. The kids get to help us in the voting booth and see what the process is all about. Plus, they love their “future voter” stickers.
What if I have to work on November 6 or I’m going to be out of town?
Don’t miss your chance to vote. In Kansas, take advantage of advance voting. Starting as early as October 22, you can head to the polls. You can also request a mail-in ballot. Find details and locations here. In Missouri, there is no in-person advance voting, but you can request an absentee ballot starting six weeks ahead of the election. Remember, if you are already in line to vote when polls close at 7pm, don’t leave the line. You have the right to cast your vote. Don’t forget to bring your ID. Click here for more info about voting in Missouri.
I’m convinced. I will vote on November 6.
That’s great! Now, put it on your calendar and don’t forget! Voter turnout in the midterms is notoriously low, but please don’t take your right to vote for granted. Women didn’t get the right to vote until 1919, and people in many countries are still fighting for voting rights. Whether you are conservative, liberal, or somewhere in between, it’s important to vote. I know how I’ll be voting this November. (But if you want to know about THAT, go check my Twitter feed.)
