Hi fellow Females of Filadelphia readers! November 6th is election day, and it is my duty to present you with the least biased resources that will allow you an easy, and educated voting process. Since I am not directly involved with politics, this document was written by the amazing, Emily Gabos! Emily is currently interning for Kristin Seale. Kristin Seale is a candidate for Pennsylvania’s State Representatives for the 168th House District. (How many of you knew different districts vote for different people? If you didn’t, you especially need to keep reading.) Kristin Seale, if elected, would not only be the first woman, but the first openly queer woman to ever hold that seat. Emily, the writer of this lovely blog, as an intern, engages with the volunteers to mobilize them for canvasses, and is in charge of data entry during her internship. To learn more about Kristin Seale’s campaign, specifically, go to: https://www.kristinseale.com/. To learn more about how to vote in general, continue reading!
How do I know if I am registered to vote?
Voting in PA? Check your voter registration status here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationStatus.aspx
Not voting in PA? Visit your state’s election office website, which you can find here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office
How do I find my polling place?
PA polling place locator: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx
National polling place locator:https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/
How do I know if my designated polling place is accessible to people with disabilities?
Once you find your polling place, click on the “Accessibility Criteria” link under the polling place address.
When do polls open and close?
PA:7am-8pm Eastern time
Don’t live in PA? Visit your state’s election office website, which you can find here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office
***Note: As long as you are in line before the polls close, you can vote!! You are still entitled to a vote even if you have to wait in line after the polls close!
Do I need to bring ID?
Voting in PA?
If you’re voting at a polling place for the first time (regardless of whether you’re a new voter), you’ll need an approved form of ID. This does NOT have to be a photo ID. Non-photo IDs must include your name and address. Approved forms of ID include:
- Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
- ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
- ID issued by the U.S. Government
- U.S. passport
- U.S. Armed Forces ID
- Student ID
- Employee ID
- Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
- Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
- Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
- Firearm permit
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck
- Government check
(source: https://www.votespa.com/Register-to-Vote/Pages/Voter-ID-for-First-Time-Voters.aspx)
Not voting in PA?
Here is a link with voter ID laws in every state: http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx#Details
What positions are we voting for in the midterm elections?
During this election you will be voting for U.S. Senator positions (based on your state), U.S. House of Representative positions (based on your district, all 435 positions are open), Governor (based on state, not all states are voting for this), Mayor (based on city, not all cities are voting for this), State House of Representatives, and State Senate! Other local election positions and amendments are also being considered.
For more information: https://www.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections
Who is on my ballot?
Find your ballot here: https://www.vote411.org/ballot or https://vote-usa.org/
States that have candidates running for governor: https://classic.nga.org/cms/18-candidates-state-term-limit
List of candidates running in U.S. Congress Elections, 2018: https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_candidates_running_in_U.S._Congress_elections,_2018
***Disclaimer: In an effort to remain as unbiased as possible, various sources have been provided, but this is not a comprehensive list. It is important for you to remember that every source on candidates has some bias, and may not provide as detailed information as you need. Be sure to research and educate yourself before voting.
Why should I vote? 7 Reasons You Need to Vote.
- It’s your right!
- To choose who will represent you at every level of government
- To hold politicians accountable
- To put more people in power who want the same things as you
- To weaken the power of people who don’t want the same things as you
- Because if you don’t cast a ballot, you’re voting for the status quo
- If you stand for nothing, what will you fall for? VOTE!
Thank you so much, Emily, for your insight on where to vote, how to vote, and more information on who is running for this election. I believe, as a Female in Filadelphia, that everyone’s voice matters. To me, voting is so much more than political parties, it is about allowing your opinion to be heard, no matter how many people agree with it. Make sure to go out and vote, and encourage everyone around you to vote. Every election is important no matter the position. Every voice is important no matter how small.