We’ve got you covered!
What is a sample ballot?
Most local elections offices will have sample ballots available to their voters, so you can learn what’s on your ballot before you vote! In some areas they are sent to you directly by mail and/or you may be able to access them on your election office’s website. Use your sample ballot as a cheat sheet so you know everything on your ballot ahead of time and can refer to it on Election Day! Look up your sample ballot today.
Why should I know what’s on my ballot before I cast my vote?
When you look up your ballot beforehand, you can read explanations that you understand, rather than the complicated legal jargon that might be on your ballot. Bring your notes or sample ballot to reference and remember how you want to vote.
This also helps you get in and out of the voting booth quickly– and helps the line move more quickly for everyone! (Note: Do NOT feel you must be a speed demon in the voting booth–take your time to make sure to mark your ballot carefully and correctly to ensure your vote will be counted.)
If you are voting by mail, you can research your ballot with your actual ballot in hand!
What will be on my ballot?
There will be items on your ballot that range from local ballot measures to state and federal candidates. Often, state and local elections affect our lives in a more personal and immediate way than federal elections. Your vote matters for every race, but it can make an especially big impact in your local community. You might even have the power to decide policy directly through ballot measures and referendums. You should have all the information you need to make the decisions that will impact your everyday life.
Resources like BallotReady, Ballotpedia, Guides.Vote and Vote411 are different options that can help you learn about everything on your ballot.
How do I decide who to vote for?
Statewide or local elections are taking place in more than 30 different states this fall.. Check out resources like BallotReady, Ballotpedia and/or Vote411 to learn about everything on your ballot. If you are interested in how your elected officials align with your political beliefs, download the ActiVote app.
What are ballot measures, referendums, or constitutional amendments?
These are ways – specific to your city or town, county, or state – that allow you to have a very direct, local impact on your community! These can be referred to in lots of different ways depending on where you live: ballot measures, referendums, propositions, constitutional amendments and more. Ballot measures, veto referendums, and propositions typically impact state law, while constitutional amendments change state constitutions. Your local town or city may even place local measures on the ballot for implementing taxes and raising funds. Instead of voting for a person who will make the decisions about a law or the spending of funds, you are making the decision yourself!
Why should I vote in local elections?
In 2023 dozens of major cities and counties across the country will elect their local executives, council members, and school boards. Several states will also hold statewide elections, including three (Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi) with gubernatorial seats on the ballot.
Though they tend to be less well-known than federal elected officials, state and local elected officials often have an even greater impact on their constituents’ day-to-day lives, with influence over everything from public safety and criminal justice to reproductive healthcare, housing access and affordability, the environment, local minimum wages, school funding, and voting rights.
5 Days | 5 Actions
