Strike Says It’s Hot to Vote in the Midterm Elections
On Nov. 8, Florida’s midterm elections will be held. The election will decide races for the U.S. House of Representatives, governor, state House, and Senates, as well as other state and local offices. This year’s elections are important because we have a new seat in the U.S. House of Representatives due to our population growth in 2021.
Truthfully, many college students are unaware of the importance of voting. This is evident in how many Gen Z and millennials actually make it to the polls. In the 2018 elections, 64% of citizens 65 or older voted. Additionally, 37% of 25-34-year-olds made it to the polls. However, not even a third of those aged 18-24 voted.
Younger generations did vote in the 2020 presidential election in record numbers. It was the highest Gen Z and millennial turnout ever—and their voices were heard! 65% of those aged 18-24 voted for Biden. This was 11% more than any other age group. As a result, President Biden won the 2020 election with 7.8 million votes (approximately 5.5 million more than Trump).
In 2020, younger generations were eager to vote. They saw that many issues they felt passionate about were on the ballot. For instance, matters pertaining to gun violence, student loans, racism, the legalization of marijuana, etc., were discussed by the candidates. To make their voices heard, Gen Z rushed to the polls.
This turnout was impressive compared to other years, but it can’t stop there. The midterm elections are just as important. There are still issues on the ballot that need to be addressed.
To do so, it is important to become educated on the candidates running and make a voting plan. Election day can be hectic. However, that’s not the only day you can vote! You can sit right at home and vote by mail! Or, you can vote early in person. Counties open up voting polls on Oct. 29!
Now, the whole process of registering to vote and voting itself can seem like a complicated process. If you want to fulfill your civic duty but are unsure how: Strike is here to save the day. Here’s a how-to on registering and deciding which voting method works best for you!
Step 1: Make sure you’re eligible!
In Florida, you must be:
At least 18 years old
A U.S. citizen
A legal resident of Florida
Not be adjudicated mentally incapacitated to vote without having your rights restored
Not have been convicted of a felony without having your voting rights restored
Step 2: Visit: https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home
Upon clicking the link, you can select the “register or update” button.
You will then be prompted to answer eligibility questions.
You’ll be asked if this is your first time registering, if you’d like to change your registration, or if you need a new voter information card.
You will then be asked to submit the Issued Date (MM/DD/YYYY) of your Florida DL or Florida ID card, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN4).
You’ll be asked to provide your first, last, and middle name, and your birthday.
However, if you don’t have your driver’s license or social security card, no problem!
You can still use the online registration application form, but you will need to print, sign, and then mail or deliver your completed voter registration application to your county Supervisor of Elections. This is the form. Click here to find your county's Supervisor of Elections office.
Step 3: Pick your party affiliation!
Since Florida is a closed primary state, you must be affiliated with a party to vote in the primaries.
You can choose no party affiliation (NPA), but you will only be able to vote in nonpartisan races during a primary election.
On this page, you will also be asked to submit your residential address.
Step 4: Complete (or don’t) the optional information page
The next page asks you to fill out the information that is completely optional. It will ask you your gender, race, if you’ve ever been registered before, your phone number, and if you want sample ballots mailed to you.
Step 5: You’re done!
The last page will ask if you want to assist in elections (as a poll worker) or if you personally need assistance at the polls.
Then, you’re done! You’re a Florida voter! You should expect to see your voter registration card in the mail soon.
Just remember, you must be registered to vote 29 days before any election!
There are 3 different ways to vote in Florida:
1: On Election Day
You can vote on election day at the polling place cited on your voter registration card.
Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on that day. Make sure to bring a photo ID!
2: Early voting
You can vote at any polling site in your county before election day. Those polling sites open on Oct. 29. Bring a photo ID!
3: Vote by mail
Go to https://www.pbcelections.org/ and click “vote by mail.”
You will receive a ballot before the election and must return it before election day. Or, you can go to your polling site on election day and drop off your ballot!
Sign the envelope before you return it.
All in all, voting is not as difficult as it seems. Voting is an amazing way to be an active member of your community and express your beliefs. Not to mention, the United States is considered “one of the greatest democracies in the world,” yet, it has a weak voter turnout. Democracies rely on voting to maintain fairness. Many citizens in other countries do not have the luxury to vote. This Nov. 8, let’s head to the polls and make a difference. Strike says: voting’s hot!
Strike Out,
Bella Kubach
Boca Raton
