The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way many people are going to vote in the 2020 election, and it’s confusing how it will work.  You’re not alone if you feel that way.  One of the things that makes it confusing is the fact that voting laws are very local, varying from county to county and state to state.  Which leads us to this week’s homework assignment:  Take a moment to research and determine a clear plan on where and how you will be casting your vote this year.  We’ve gathered some resources to help.

Mail-in Voting:

Plan Your Vote: Check out NBC News’ regularly updated Plan Your Vote site, loaded with the key information for voters in every state about mail-in voting, early in-person voting, and more.

How to Vote By Mail: This 15-minute lesson from NPR’s Life Kit Podcast on pandemic voting, and specifically, voting by mail, is a helpful and inspiring guide.

Receipt and postmark deadlines for absentee ballots: This list from the National Conference of State Legislatures has state by state deadlines for voting outside of polling places.

In Person Voting:

If you plan to vote in person, where will you go to do that?  Go to National Associations of Secretaries of State to find your local polling place.

How will you get there?  It’s not too early to check your schedule, make a transportation plan, or ask a friend to go with you.  Research shows that taking a friend with you increases the chances you’ll both definitely vote.

What do you need to bring with you?  Some states require Photo ID, others don’t.  To double-check what your state requires, go here.

After Voting:

When you go to vote, take this number with you:  (866) OUR-VOTE.  This is a number to call if you or someone you know has difficulty at the polling station and needs to file a complaint.  It is run by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

As you might have noticed, our job board is blowing up with amazing ways that college students can support the democratic process this fall.  Whether it’s helping people register to vote, or staffing polling stations on election day, you’ll find great opportunities to get involved on QuadJobs right now.  We thought we’d highlight just a few of the organizations who’ve posted for help during this election cycle.

Generation Vote (genvote.org): 

“Do you feel like your voice is not heard in local politics? Are you a student activist interested in changing the status quo? Or are you a candidate running for office and have no idea how to get in touch with our generation? Meet Generation Vote. We want to help you make your voice heard, whether you are a student or a local candidate running for office. Through our unique model of civic engagement, we have created a comprehensive strategy to transform the way young people engage in local electoral politics and advocacy campaigns.”

Common Cause (commoncause.org):

“Since 1970, Common Cause has been working to hold power accountable through lobbying, litigation, and grassroots organizing.  Our non-partisan, pro-democracy work has helped pass hundreds of reforms at the federal, state, and local levels.  Our more than 1 million members and more than 30 state organizations around the country work to strengthen our democracy by empowering the voices of everyday Americans in government.”

Big Tent USA (bigtentusa.org):

“Founded by a group of suburban women with diverse political views, the BigTentUSA community has come together to help restore decency and good governance to Washington.  Our members are smart but busy, so we sort through the clutter to provide substantive information, concrete action items, and opportunities to make a difference.  We are a community of women determined to wake up with no regrets on November 4^th and make sure our voices are always heard.”

I am a voter  is an easy, fast, free, “nonpartisan movement that aims to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement by unifying around a central truth: our democracy works best when we all participate.” It will help you register, help you confirm your registration, and help you get an absentee ballot (if it’s possible) in your state, if that’s what you’re looking to do.

Head to I am a voter or text VOTER to 26797 to check your registration or register to vote.

This is the right time—the right day, the right moment—to get yourself registered to vote or quickly confirm that you’re already registered.  After all, you can’t vote if you’re not registered.  It takes less than a minute.

Want a super quick and easy way to help your community that you can get done while watching TV?  Yes please!  Have you filled out the 2020 Census yet?

The US Census tracks population in every state.  Why does that matter?  State population has an impact on a ton of stuff.  Your state’s population factors into how much federal money your state will get for an array of services, including hospitals, first responders, schools, SNAP benefits, and more.

The Census also plays a role in our democratic process.  Quick history lesson:  In 1787, it was decided that the US House of Representatives would use something called proportional representation.  That meant (and means) that the number of representatives a state sends to Congress in the House of Reps is determined by the state population.  Which is determined by… you guessed it… the Census.

So cue up your favorite show and check the box on an important but easy act of civic responsibility.  Especially in uncertain times, these small acts can feel really good.  Every positive act is a step in the right direction.