Voting has somehow become more complicated than it should be. Research every candidate? Understand every issue? Spend hours beforehand trying to become an informed voter?
In the middle of decision fatigue, soccer schedules, dinner planning, and homework help, there’s usually no time.
“I’ll go vote,” you tell yourself. “I just don’t have time to do anything more than that.”
But there is more we can do. And honestly, there’s more we need to do. Our world is hurting. Our vote matters, but what we do before we vote matters, too.
Who is on my ballot?
Start simple. figure out who’s even on your ballot. We’ve all done the last-minute Google search in the parking lot before walking in. But you can look up all this information ahead of time. Tools like Ballotpedia and Vote411 make it easy to see who you can vote for.
How can I support my candidates with only 30 seconds of free time a day?
Social media. This is the quickest, easiest way to help. Follow your candidates. Like and share their posts when they pop up. It takes seconds, but it helps get their names and messages in front of more people.
Word of mouth. Talk about them. Say their names. A lot of people feel rushed when voting and end up choosing a name they recognize. When that name comes from a friend, it carries even more weight.
Text someone. “Hey, are you planning to vote early? I just looked up my ballot.” That’s it. One text can be the nudge someone needs to remind them to vote.
How can I support my candidates if I have more time?
Attend an event. I went to a meet-and-greet recently, and it was way less intimidating than I expected. There was good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and I actually learned a lot. It also gave me a chance to hear what my candidates had to say face-to-face, which is what inspired me to write this.
Reach out. Local candidates often need help. Visit their website to send a quick email. There are simple ways to pitch in that can fit into your busy schedule, like putting stamps on postcards while you sit at your kid’s baseball practice.
How can I vote early?
Election Day is May 5, but you don’t have to wait until then to vote. Early voting is already open across the state. Check your county’s website for times and locations.
Marion County
Hamilton County
Boone County
Hendricks County
Morgan County
Johnson County
Shelby County
Hancock County
Where do I go to vote on Election Day?
You can find your polling place by entering your address on sites like Vote.org.
Voting on May 5 runs from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Don’t forget your government-issued photo ID.
While I hope everyone votes, I also encourage you to pick one additional step listed above and do it, too. Even small efforts add up more than you think. Take a step and use your voice. It matters. Let’s make Susan B. Anthony proud.
