Every four years, United States citizens have the chance to exercise their right to vote. That chance falls on Nov. 6 of this year and for most college students, it will be their first time voting in the general election. Will you be one of those students?
Well, here are the top 10 tips from Travis Abercrombie, the Public Information Coordinator at Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office, to help you register to vote, so that you can have your voice heard.
Registering:
1. You must be registered to vote in Hillsborough County if you want to cast a ballot here in the Nov. 6 General Election.
The last day to register is Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012.
2. If you are from another county/state, you can still register here in Hillsborough County. If you are already registered in another county/state, please inform them that you are now registered elsewhere.
3. Voter registration drives at UT will be ongoing throughout the year. If you want to download a registration application, you can do so at www.VoteHillsborough.org. Registration requirements are also listed on the website.
4. If you want to keep your registration status in another county/state and wish to vote in the Nov. 6 General Election, you must contact your home county/state and request an absentee/Vote By Mail ballot. Different states have different rules when it comes to requesting and returning an absentee ballot. In Florida, all absentee ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Voting Methods:
5. All registered voters can request and vote an absentee/Vote By Mail ballot. It’s a great alternative to standing in line to vote, and gives you time to study the candidates and issues.
6. Early Voting allows all registered voters in Hillsborough County to cast a ballot at any of the 15 approved Early Voting locations. The one closest to UT is downtown in the Fred B. Karl County Center building (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602).
7. On Election Day, voters must vote in their precinct. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Misc. Voting Information:
8. Whether you vote early or on Election Day, you will be asked to present a valid and current form of photo ID and signature ID. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be located on www.VoteHillsborough.org.
9. You don’t have to vote in every race on your ballot for your vote to count.
10. You will receive a sample ballot prior to Election Day. You are allowed to bring your sample ballot with you in the polling room, but please use the ballot provided to you by the poll worker.
Stef Crocco can be reached at stefanie.crocco@spartans.ut.edu
Good info!! Get out and vote people!