The November 8 midterm elections for many House of Representatives, Senate, and local government positions, are weeks away. Many EMU students might not be able to make it to their polling place on election day because they are from out of state or live too far away from their polling place.
Vote.org is a resource EMU students can use to find information about voting that is pertinent to their state. This website has links to check voter registration, register to vote, and find a polling place. Students can also find information about voting for their specific state in the information box.
Another resource EMU students can access is the U.S. Election Assistance Commission at eac.gov. This website was sent out to EMU students in an email from the Provost’s office on Wednesday, Sept. 21. The EMU Young Democrats and College Republicans can also provide resources for voter registration.
EMU College Republicans President Jason Dwyer said, “It is important to register to vote so that you can have the chance to make your voice heard. Voting is a fundamental right in America and it is our civic duty to perform it. With every vote cast, it is our chance to shape our future and for us to have a say in what happens within our country and government. Every vote matters, including yours.”
Meredith Lehman, EMU Young Democrats representative, and 2021-2022 Young Democrats President echoed this sentiment: “Voting means being an active part of the democratic process; encouraging political activity and popular election of representatives. A democracy can only be reflective of its citizens’ needs if they are politically active and engaged.”
Dwyer also said that the EMU College Republicans do not currently have any plans to hold a voter registration drive, but they are hoping to set something up in collaboration with the EMU Young Democrats. Lehman said that when they do have a drive, SGA will announce something in their weekly emails and the College Republicans and Young Democrats will share information on their social media.
“I know the word “register” seems to imply something tedious or difficult but the process is really pretty simple,” Lehman said, “The volunteers will help walk you through it. People are often surprised at how quick the process is!”
Finally, Dwyer said, “Not every country in the world is like ours. In America, we have the unique opportunity to cast a ballot and make our voices heard. Voting is something that should be cherished and taken seriously.”
According to the 2022-2023 EMU Fact Book, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Indiana are the top five states that EMU students are from. Listed below are links for each state election website. Students from other states should look on their state website or vote.org for more information.
Virginia: www.elections.virginia.gov
Pennsylvania: www.vote.pa.gov
Maryland: elections.maryland.gov/
Ohio: www.ohiosos.gov/electionIndiana: www.in.gov/sos/elections/
