Adulting 101: Voting How to Get Informed Not Overwhelmed

Adulting 101 Voting How to Get Informed Not Overwhelmed

In our Adulting 101 series, we're diving into the essentials of voting—without the overwhelm—because being informed can be easier than you think! Voting frameworks can feel complicated, but we're here to break down the basics: what elections are all about, where to find information, and how to make informed decisions.

Livestreamed Video Presentation

Understanding Election Types

Let's first demystify the types of elections: primary elections, general elections, and presidential/general elections. 

Primary elections, typically held a few months before general elections, are key for selecting party candidates. In Pennsylvania, these happen in May. 

Presidential elections occur every four years in November, allowing any registered voter to choose their preferred candidate. 

The general elections happen at regular intervals and often include local and state positions up for grabs, ensuring there's always something to vote on in November.

Voting: Voter Registration and Polling Places

It's critical to know your voter registration status: Are you registered? Is your address up to date? Knowing where your polling place is located is essential—boundaries can change, and so can your voting location. Check your voter registration card or find this information online.

Questions to Answer

  • Are you registered to vote?
  • Is your address up to date?
  • Is your party affiliation current?
  • Do you know where your polling place is?

Finding Reliable Information Before Voting

Being informed starts with understanding what's on your ballot. Begin with your sample ballot; it’s your roadmap to the election. Then, use online platforms, websites, social media, and local government sites to dig deeper into candidates and issues. Resources like Vote Save America, Ballotpedia, and other non-partisan guides can provide structured information for decision-making.

Non-Partisan Voter Guides

These websites offer unbiased information on candidates' positions and voting records

Research Tools and Resources For Voting

Tools like Vote Save America offer features such as “Build Your Own Ballot,” helping you pull together everything relevant to your voting district. They also provide deadlines, registration status checks, and mail-in ballot requests—critical for staying organized and informed.

Apps to Use

ActiVote

  • Provide essential information about candidates, elections, and political issues to help users become more informed voters. 
  • Committed to providing unbiased information, focusing on facts rather than partisan perspectives. 
  • Incorporates elements of gamification and social interaction to encourage regular use and civic engagement.

Votable

  • Designed to make civic engagement simple
  • Allows users to see candidates running in upcoming elections, trending issues on the ballot, and provides resources for voter registration and absentee ballots. 
  • The app also includes a unique social justice rating to rank candidates based on their historical actions.

Fact-Checking Websites

These tools help voters critically evaluate news sources and campaign claims

  • FactCheck.org
  • PolitiFact.com
  • MediaBiasFactCheck.com

Making Your Decision

Once you’ve gathered your research, it's time to make decisions. Start with your sample ballot, jot down your choices, and evaluate candidates based on their alignment with your values, past political experience, and potential impact on your community. Consider their previous service, political experience, and their overall work history to determine if they're a good fit for the positions they're seeking.

By taking these deliberate steps, you can transform the sometimes-daunting voting process into a manageable and even empowering experience. 

Ready for More Beyond Voting?

Civic Engagement Tools

These platforms encourage ongoing civic engagement beyond election day

Don’t Forget to Get Out and Vote!

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