The 2024 United States Presidential Election is nearly upon the United States, where citizens will vote to determine which candidate will fill current President Joe Biden’s seat in the Oval Office.
For many college students, this is the first time that they will have the opportunity to cast their vote in a Presidential Election.
Voting is a right that the government grants the general population to maintain democracy and hold power in the hands of the people, allowing the public to support freedom of expression.
How does the Electoral College work?
Each state has the same number of electoral college votes as they have representatives and senators in Congress, which is roughly in line with their population. For example, Georgia has two senators and 14 representatives in Congress, so they receive 16 electoral college votes.
There are a total of 538 electoral college voters, and to win the presidency, a candidate must win over half of the votes (270 votes).
Typically, electoral college voters from each state will vote in line with whichever candidate the state’s general population submits more ballots in favor of.
Why should I vote?
Voting allows the general population to have a say on who represents the citizens of the United States in office. Citizens can research each candidate’s information and decide on what candidate best represents their beliefs.
On most ballots, the voter will be voting on a number of positions and items, such as information on taxes, school districts, and members of the Senate and the House for your state. It is essential for citizens to research what they believe and vote for what they want for their local area rather than strictly voting red or blue all the way down the ballot.
On the local and presidential levels, different members of different parties may lean differently on specific topics.
I live in Georgia, how can I vote?
If a citizen of the U.S. permanent address is located in the state of Georgia, they can use the GA My Voter Page to check their registration status. Once registered, they will be able to view their voter information, including their precinct card and precinct information, which details where they will have to travel to vote.
It is important to look at the precinct location’s hours and any early voting days to ensure that you are on time and your vote is cast.
Registration deadline is Oct 7.
I live out-of-state, how can I vote?
If a citizen is planning on voting from out of their permanent residence state, they are able to submit an absentee ballot. Many college students face this issue, which leads to the lack of votes from the 18-24 age group. Here is how to avoid that issue and cast your vote:
The U.S. Vote Foundation helps students fill out an absentee ballot request form. Once approved, the student will receive an absentee ballot in the mail. For Piedmont students, this will require the ballot to be sent to your P.O. Box.
Each state requires a different deadline for absentee ballot requests and submissions. Students are recommended to do this as quickly as possible to ensure that their vote is counted.
How do I choose a candidate?
Pew Research Center has created a Political Typography Quiz to help U.S. citizens determine which candidates best represent their personal beliefs, alleviating the pressures from the media. This quiz helps the emotional bias to be taken out of the citizen’s decision so they can choose a candidate who reflects their beliefs.
Keep up to date with information about the 2024 Presidential Election at www.piedmontroar.com.
