ELECTION RESOURCES

The answer to: “What can I do to prepare for upcoming elections”… Start Now!

All of us want to do what’s best for democracy in our nation, state, and community. And now’s the time to prepare and participate in upcoming elections. Here’s how:

• Check your registration. If you’re a registered voter, make sure your voter registration card is up to date. Or REGISTER TO VOTE NOW. You can register for an upcoming election until 29 days prior to that election.
• Vote by Mail. If voting by mail is your preference, you need to know that a new law requires you to affirmatively reach out to your local supervisor of elections every two years and request that you be put on a list of people who will receive mail-in ballots.
• Know where to vote. If you plan to vote on voting day, make sure you know the exact address of the polling place you’ve been assigned and plan how you will get there. If you take advantage of early voting, you can vote at ANY early voting location. Check locations by calling Miami Dade County Supervisor of Elections, Alina Garcia at 305-499-8683 or click here.
• Know the ballot before you vote. Preview a sample of the ballot (often long and confusing) and research candidates or issues before you make your choices. Then mark the sample ballot before you head to the polls and carry it with you or take a picture of it.
• Know the candidates. Take your time getting to know the candidates. Who are they? What are their qualifications? How do they stand on the issues most important to you? Visit candidate websites, check their voting records and when possible, attend town halls or other opportunities to hear from them directly.
• Check our Pro-Democracy Calendar for upcoming events that may help you meet candidates, understand issues and make educated decisions.
• Help others make it to the polls. Volunteer with local and state organizations that facilitate the elections process. And perhaps most importantly, encourage family and friends to participate in the democratic imperative of voting in free and fair elections. Democracy thrives on voter turn-out.
• On voting day: Be sure to report any problems or issues you might find at the voting site. There will be independent legal observers on-site who can offer assistance at most polling places.