The presidential election is just four weeks away. Regardless of your political views, here are six things all Titans should know about voting this year.
With unprecedented media coverage, the twists and turns of the 2016 presidential election cycle have been hard to miss. Generations from now, political scientists and historians are likely to remember this year for Donald Trump’s unlikely rise to GOP candidacy, the surprisingly close Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders contest for the Democratic nomination, and other high points (and low points).
As we enter the home stretch before Election Day, here are six things you should know about this year’s vote.
- Register online today! Last day to register is Oct. 24.
U.S. citizens aren’t automatically registered when they turn 18. You must register in order to cast a ballot. The deadline for the November election is Oct. 24. Registration is available online. You will need your driver’s license, last four digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth.
- It’s not all about the presidential campaign.
While the race for the White House gets most of the media attention, every U.S. House seat and a third of U.S. Senate seats are up for election. Additionally, many state legislators, county officials and city leaders are being voted on. In California, there are 17 propositions on the statewide ballot on issues ranging from marijuana legislation to the death penalty, with additional measures in many cities and counties. Many of these contests impact your personal life even more than the presidential race.
- You can find your polling place online.
Wondering where you should vote? If you aren’t voting by mail, all you need to do is input your address, and your polling place will appear. Check out the form at the California Secretary of State website, which will provide locations a few weeks before Election Day. Note that in all locations, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8.
- If you vote by mail, your completed ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 8.
Complete this form if you would like to vote by mail or you can use the application printed on the sample ballot that you will receive if you are a registered voter.
Remember, snail mail isn’t as fast as email, so you should allow a few days for your ballot to reach its destination.
- Your Tuesday evening classes will still meet on Election Day.
Unless your professor says otherwise, all CSUF courses will meet on schedule on Election Day. If you have a 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. course, you’ll have to wait until later Tuesday evening to watch the election results online or on TV.
- Free newspapers will be available on campus the day after the election.
As part of Cal State Fullerton’s free newspaper program for students, free editions of the Los Angeles Times, The Orange County Register and USA Today will be available on campus the day after the election, as they are on weekdays during the semesters. But be sure to pick up your copy early that morning, as they are likely to go fast. Having the newspapers will be a great way to commemorate the historic moment – and who knows if this might be the last election with print newspapers!
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