Are You Ready?

We all know that going to college comes with a lot of unique challenges. Entering adulthood is not always as standardized as we once thought! One challenge that college students often do not acknowledge right away is that they are now a full-fledged member of society...and with that comes involvement with the Government. 

Now, most of us cringe at that thought. But the fact remains that we are all involved in some form. If you buy gas or milk, you pay taxes. Also, most of us get assistance from the government in the form of Student Loans or the Hope Scholarship! 

Now, if we get all of these benefits or costs, it is our duty as responsible citizens to be involved in the process that creates these. We do this through voting. 

This November, many of us will have our first chance to vote in Federal and State elections! But how do we go about registering to vote?

Follow these 6 easy steps and experience being an active member of society:

1) Visit http://www.eac.gov/voter_resources/contact_your_state.aspx and select your home state.

2) Confirm your eligibility

 3) Fill out the personalized information

                                                                                                                 

 4) Confirm that all information is correct and submit your application 

4A) Register in person at designated locations in your state
If you're unable to register online, you can also register in person at the following public facilities with the same information:
• Your state's voter registration office
• Election offices
• The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Armed Service recruitment centers
• Public assistance facilities, or state-funded disability centers

4B) Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to vote absentee
If you're active-duty military or are overseas for other reasons during the election and you're not yet registered, you can still register to vote by filling out the FPCA form and requesting an absentee ballot.

Fill out this form to register if you're:
• Active-duty military or a dependent
• A member of the Merchant Marine Service
• A member of the Public Health Service
• Commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• A US expatriate living temporarily overseas

5) Wait and Prepare
 You should receive a voter's card in the mail shortly after you send your paperwork or submit the online application. 

Most importantly, use this time to familiarize yourself with the candidates in the upcoming election and find your polling center on the day of the election.

6) Consider registering with a national political party or organization

You can register using one of the online services provided by the various political parties to affiliate yourself with their campaigns and learn more about their candidates. While not required for general elections, some states require this registration for primary elections.

You are now ready to vote! If you plan on taking part in the democratic process, be sure to understand your candidate's position. Being a voter is important. Being an informed voter is crucial!