Who and Why You are Voting:
One of the most important things to get figured out before heading to the polls are who you are voting for. One of the biggest mistakes young voters make is basing their choices off of who their parents or friends or favorite celeb is voting for or endorsing. The election is much more than you see on television and those “approved messages”. You really have to read up on, research and figure out why you’re voting for that specific candidate. In all reality, you should really do a “background check” on the candidates. At the end of the day, we do have a lot of traits and beliefs from the people that raised us or that we’re always around, but you don’t always have the same outlook, opinion or view on certain issues. And if this is your first time voting, please know, that you are voting for more than just the next president.
For example: Say your parents are completely against gay marriage, but you see no problem with it. Your vote will not be the same as theirs.
Early Voting:
Early voting is one of the most convenient things they have provided for us. Of course there will still be a crowd but it is certainly not a crowd like the one that will occur on the last day to vote. Make sure you go on your county’s OFFICIAL website and figure out the dates and times of early voting. Trust us, this will make your life a lot easier.
Be prepared:
When voting early or voting at a polling place, FLORIDA law requires voters to present a picture ID with signature. Acceptable forms of ID are:
- Florida driver’s license (quickest ID to process)
- Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (quickest ID to process)
- United States passport
- Debit or credit card
- Military identification
- Student identification
- Retirement center identification
- Neighborhood Association identification
- Public Assistance identification
ID required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity, not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
If the voter’s picture ID does not contain a signature, an additional document with signature may be used.
*Make sure to look up your state’s requirements.