Your Essential Guide to Voting: Empowering Young Voters to Make a Difference

Young Voters Face the Challenge of the 2024 Presidential Election

By Milannia Martin-Hayes

As the 2024 presidential election looms, the stakes have never been higher. Dubbed “the election to end all elections,” this political showdown has already seen dramatic shifts, including the unexpected withdrawal of one candidate and the rise of another making history. Meanwhile, one contender has alarmingly hinted at authoritarianism, leaving many young voters feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their role in shaping the future.

For many, including myself, the chaos of the election is compounded by the challenges of college life. As a sophomore at Connecticut College, I find myself half a country away from home, grappling with the pressures of academia while trying to stay informed about an election that could define our democracy. It’s easy to become just another statistic in the disheartening trend of young voters who don’t show up at the polls, even when our futures hang in the balance.

The Disconnect: Education and Voting

What’s particularly frustrating is the lack of education surrounding the voting process itself. While we were taught the importance of voting—when and why to do it—no one ever explained how to navigate the complexities of the electoral system. This gap in knowledge can leave first-time voters feeling lost and disengaged.

Recognizing this, I decided to take action. After learning that voters with a clear plan are more likely to participate, I created a comprehensive voting guide aimed at helping my peers—those who feel just as overwhelmed as I do—navigate the upcoming elections, especially the crucial municipal elections in Connecticut this fall.

Step 1: Register and Check Your Status

The first step in any effective voting plan is ensuring you’re registered. If you’ve moved or changed your name, it’s essential to update your registration. Always check your status before election day; polling places can change, and registrations can be deactivated without notice.

Step 2: Decide How You’ll Vote

Gathering friends as accountability partners can make the voting process less daunting. Many states, including Connecticut, offer early voting and mail-in options, which can be particularly beneficial for students or those with demanding jobs. In Connecticut, early voting begins 15 days before the election, providing ample opportunity to cast your ballot.

If you opt for election day voting, double-check your polling site and its hours. Remember, if you’re in line when the polls close, you have the right to vote—don’t leave!

Step 3: Research Candidates and Issues

Once registered, it’s time to research the candidates and issues on your ballot. Non-partisan organizations can provide valuable insights into the positions of various candidates. Since many young voters feel unrepresented by the major parties, focusing on the issues that matter most to you can guide your choices.

To make this process more engaging, I hosted a research party with friends. Each person presented their findings on different candidates, and we compiled our insights into a shared spreadsheet to reference when filling out our ballots.

Election Day: Put Your Plan into Action

On election day, it’s crucial to execute your plan. Check in with your accountability partners to ensure everyone has the necessary information and documents. If voting by mail, be mindful of your state’s deadlines to ensure your ballot is counted.

Post-Election Self-Care

After casting your vote, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Election self-care varies for everyone; for me, it meant avoiding news updates until the results were in. For others, it might involve closely following the election map as ballots are counted.

Staying Engaged Beyond the Polls

Even after the election, it’s vital to remain engaged in the political process. Monitor your representatives to ensure they fulfill their promises, volunteer for organizations that align with your values, and maintain the habit of voting in all elections—local, midterm, and presidential.

As we approach this pivotal election, let’s not allow ourselves to be sidelined. Our voices matter, and with a little planning and community support, we can ensure that we show up and make our choices count.

Milannia Martin-Hayes is a sophomore at Connecticut College studying Government and Statistics.