Kyle Keckler
News Editor
It’s election season; campaigns are in full swing, debates are scheduled, and the nation must again decide who will take up the mantle of president for the coming four years. For the democracy our nation prides itself on to function, the people must vote, and you, reader, are the people! Your vote matters, and it is crucial that you get the opportunity to cast it.
But about that casting – many students at Idaho State are newly of voting age and may be unfamiliar with the voting process. In contrast, plenty of others are simply not registered to vote here in Bannock County. Knowing how to request an absentee ballot from your home county or state and how to cast your vote is essential to ensure that your voice is heard. The 2024 election is said to be historic; it is imperative that all eligible Americans participate in our democracy.
Registering to vote is the first step to getting to the ballot box or receiving one in the mail. This can be done online (for Idahoans at www.voteidaho.gov) or in person at local county offices such as the county elections office. For students not from Idaho, the registration process can begin at www.vote.gov. Simply select your state or territory, and you will be directed to the relevant online registration portal. A valid driver’s license or other government-issued identification will be required to register, alongside the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SNN) and proof of residence, such as a photo ID with an address, pay stub, bank statements, etc.
After registering to vote, fill out an absentee ballot request form (available from the same state website where you initially registered to vote.) Eligibility to request an absentee ballot may vary from state to state, though most students should have no difficulty meeting the requirements to receive their ballot. Be sure to enter a valid mailing address to receive your ballot!
Upon its arrival, be sure to mark only relevant areas on the ballot to ensure your vote is properly counted. Use the provided secrecy envelope to replace and seal your ballot, and either take it to a nearby elections ballot drop-box or the county elections office or send it back in the mail – though you may need to pay the fee for postage should you choose this option.
It is vital that being away from wherever you call home does not interfere with your ability to represent yourself in your home district. It is crucial that we all participate in our local and national elections; the systems that govern and shape the lives of millions of Americans are commanded by those whom the ballot empowers. For more information about how to vote or how to request an absentee ballot, please visit www.vote.gov.
Photos by Kaili Tucker
