As Election Day approaches, 17 and 18-year-olds in UA are beginning to register to vote.
By Olivia Smith, ‘20
Voting is one of the first steps into adulthood and one of the most rewarding privileges of an 18-year-old.
The 2019 general election is approaching which will take place on Nov. 5. In order to vote, constituents must register no later than 30 days prior to the election. The deadline for registration for this election is Oct. 7.
In a voluntary Arlingtonian survey with 74 senior respondents, 60 percent said they will not be 18 by the next general election. The qualifications for registering to vote are to be a citizen of the United States, be at least 18-years-old on or before the day of the next general election, be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote and not have been incarcerated for a felony conviction under the laws of Ohio, another state, or the United States.
Registering to vote has become much more efficient and simple due to recent technology. Students and adults can register to vote online. To register online, students will need their basic personal information. Out of the 30 respondents who will be eligible to vote in the general election, 83 percent are planning to vote while only 63 percent of these students currently know how to register.
Polling locations can also be found online. The polls will open at 6:30 am and will close at 7:30 pm on election day and voters must cast their ballots at their designated polling place. At each polling location, there are instructions on marking and casting a ballot. There will be a precinct election official available for answering questions and assisting with accidental ballot markings.
“With thousands of locations to get registered, hundreds of hours to cast a ballot, and three different options for voting, all eligible Ohioans have equal access to one of the best election systems in the country,” the Ohio voting website says.