This Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating our democracy.
For an estimated 8.3 members of Gen Z, it will be the first general election in which they are eligible to vote. And Fordham is doing its part to help get them to the polls, said Lesley A. Massiah-Arthur, associate vice president and special assistant to the president for government relations.
In addition to partnering with the organizers of National Voter Registration Day, her office will be announcing initiatives in the coming weeks to help people register and—most importantly—exercise their right to vote.
“As Fordham people for others, we have a responsibility to be citizens engaged in the civic life of our local, state, and national communities,” she said.
“For students who have not yet registered to vote, we can help provide the start of their lifelong engagement.”
Here are a few things you should know to fulfill your civic duty.
When is the next general election?
Tuesday, Nov. 5
What races will be on the ballot?
In addition to the president and vice president, Americans will choose who will hold all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Thirteen state and territorial governorships and numerous other state and local elections will also be up for grabs.
Who can vote?
You can vote if you:
—are a United States citizen (either by birth or naturalization)
—meet your state’s residency requirements
—are at least 18 years old. Some states allow 17-year-olds to pre-register if they will be 18 before the general election; however, you must be 18 to vote.
When is the last day to register to vote?
In some states, the deadline is as early as Oct. 4. In New York state, the registration deadline is Oct. 26 for both online and paper applications. A full list of deadlines for registering can be found here.
I am a student at Fordham. Can I vote in New York?
Yes! If you are interested in political issues that affect the state, you can register using your current New York state address. Detailed instructions on how to do so can be found here.
How can I get an absentee ballot to vote in my home state?
Rules vary by state, but in general, you can apply for an absentee ballot and vote in your home state. Visit Vote.org for information.
Who should I vote for?
We can’t tell you that, but there are several great nonpartisan voter information sites that offer information on candidates, including their biographies, voting records, positions on issues, and campaign contributors. Visit Vote Smart, Vote 411, or Ballot Ready for more.
