There can be a lot of barriers to voting, but getting to the polls shouldn’t be one of them.
I’ve been voting by absentee ballot ever since I was old enough to vote and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I suffer from high anxiety, especially in social situations and large crowds. So the idea of going down to the polls never appealed to me.
Luckily, there’s a super easy way to avoid the whole thing: voting by absentee ballot. For those of you unfamiliar, absentee ballots are mostly for those who are out of town the day of voting or those who may need assistance filling out their ballot. However, anyone is eligible to get an absentee ballot, even if you’re in the state on election day.
How it works is you go online, fill out your information, and then they send you your ballot weeks in advance. All you have to do is mail it back in time for election day. In case you’re still not convinced, here are a few reasons why you should consider registering to absentee voting.
Gives You Plenty of Time to Research the Candidates
My favorite part of absentee voting? Getting to see who’s on the ballot weeks in advance.
Of course, you probably know the candidates running for the high-profile positions (like Senate and House of Reps). But there are usually plenty of other races you need to vote for that are equally important, like positions in the state legislature, school boards, and local judges.
Getting your ballot so early gives you the chance to research all of the candidates and make educated decisions before the big day.
Overcome Obstacles to Getting to the Polls
For many people, physically getting to the polls can be hard. Working around schedules, getting babysitters for kids, paying for transportation, and other obstacles stop more than a few from voting.
If you’re concerned about any of these things, getting an absentee ballot may be the solution. As long as you have a mailbox nearby and a postal stamp, there should be no trouble to voting.
Lets You Travel as Needed
Of course, one of the main reasons absentee ballots are around is to help those who will be out of town on election day. So if you’re planning to travel in November or take a long weekend, absentee voting may be for you.
Helps Introverts Stay Political
If you’re like me and suffer from social anxiety, or are even just plain introverted, absentee ballots can be a huge relief. While many introverts have found it difficult to get involved in marches, canvassing, and more, there are still many ways they can help the resistance and voting is, of course, the most important thing you can do.
Ready to sign up? Get your absentee ballot here.
Art by @clementinestudio
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