Making plans to vote in November
I’m very motivated to vote in November. I’m motivated by so many issues - preserving democracy, the importance of the rule of law, the need for common sense gun safety reform, the right to bodily autonomy, a ceasefire in Gaza. The list goes on.
Last week, I posted a video clip on my personal social media account, with a candidate answering a question very unfavorably and irresponsibly in my view, and I encouraged my social media contacts to vote accordingly. In response to this post, someone I know from community connections reached out with a request:
"Okay I’m PANICKING. I’m officially soon, so my address is changing. I’m STRESSED my change of address won’t transfer quick enough for the election.”
In addition to orchestrating the sale and purchase of a home and moving all of her earthly possessions, I should add also add it’s the fall and she’s also an elementary school teacher and a parent of a toddler. Did your stress level go up just reading that like it did for me?
Take a deep breath. We’ve got you covered.
Questions to ask if you’re moving near election season
Via private social media messaging, I asked a few key questions to get started.
Are you staying in the same same state?
Yes! Oh thank goodness. I can’t imagine and inter-state move while teaching and parenting. If she were moving between states, I would have pointed her to USA.gov for information on how to update or change her voter registration. OK, next…
Are you staying in the same jurisdiction (city, town, county) or are you moving to a new one?
My friend said she was moving between counties - from Henrico County, Virginia to Hanover County, Virginia. Doh! While it isn’t an inter-state move, it still means different election authorities. Had she been moving within the same county, she could at least go to herr former polling place on election day. But changing jurisdictions might be a little bit trickier, so I kept digging.
Have you reached out to the registrar’s office in either county for advice?
This bright friend of mine had already thought of this! She said, “I’ve called them and they have just been so busy no one’s been able to help me.” I can imagine this is particularly challenging because her work hours overlap with the hours the office is open. I still would recommend contacting a local office and being persistent, but I also remembered that we have both absentee and early voting options.
What are the absentee voting and early voting laws in your state?
In Virginia, where we both live, absentee voting can apply for a narrow set of reasons, but early voting can take place without an excuse needed!
This is great news for my friend because this means she can go in-person, beginning September 20, to any of three convenient locations in Henrico County to vote where she is currently registered.
Advice for Virginians (like me) who need to register to vote
I also called my county’s registrar to talk through this scenario to ensure this was solid, legal, ethical advice. He stressed the following:
The last day to register to vote in Virginia this year is October 15.
Early voting takes place beginning 45 days before Election Day and ends the Saturday before Election Day, with times and locations set by each locality.
You cannot register to vote in a new jurisdiction until you live there.
Therefore, if you’re in your new home before October 15, go to the registrar’s office and register to vote - and you can vote then, if during the early voting period, or wait until election day if you’d prefer.
If you’re not in your home until after October 15, you can either:
Vote early in-person in your current jurisdiction, OR
Vote a provisional ballot in your new jurisdiction. That means you would complete a voter registration application and a ballot at the same time. As long as the application is processed and accepted, then the vote will count.
Also, according to the Virginia Department of Elections website, you may vote in the precinct from which you moved in the following November general election unless your registration has been transferred or cancelled. Read more here about the provisions to when this applies.
In summary, both the advice from a local registrar and the language on the VDE website aligns - and voting early in your current jurisdiction for federal offices is legal, ethical, and the most flexible and convenient option.
Advice for all Americans to make a voting plan
I encourage everyone to make a plan to vote. Vote 411 has some excellent, non-partisan resources to support you, all in one place.
Nationally, everyone can check to see if they’re registered to vote at Rock The Vote.org.
Your state’s election website will have relevant information about voting deadlines and specific procedures for registration, transferring registration, and voting early. Use this tool to help you locate your state election office.
Good news for my friend!
I shared this good news with my friend and this was her response:
“<clap emoji, clap emoji, clap emoji> I could (*#@$&( cry! It’s literally kept me up at night because I could not get a firm answer. You have saved the day!”
I’ll say this qualifies as taking something stressful off of someone’s plate. So happy I could reduce the mental load you were carrying so you’re more free to pursue joy - being with your daughter, enjoying your students, watching the Buffalo Bills, working out, and voting! :)
Ready, set, go!
If this resource helps you answer the question of where to vote, that’s wonderful. But if you need more support, shoot me an email and I can get you the information you need. Free of charge. This election matters so very much, and I’d be honored to facilitate you getting to the polls.
We can help with voter registration information - and so much more!
At Laura Kassner Consulting, our mission is to reduce your mental load so you can pursue things that bring you joy. From devising systems to make your home function smoothly to research and planning skills to make memories or navigate big life decisions, we are here to support you. Book a free 15 minute consultation and let’s discuss whatever is weighing on your mind.
