How To Ensure Your Vote Counts

“I’m So Gonna Vote”

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the situation surrounding the election on November 3rd, 2020 is changing quickly.  There is uncertainty over different state election rules, deadlines, and technical issues.   How can we ensure that our vote will be be cast and counted properly? We found Propublica's The Informed Voter’s Guide to Making Sure Your Vote Counts  and Washington Post’s  “How to make sure your vote counts in November” tips helpful as we prepare for the upcoming election.

We summarized some key points from these articles as below that can help improve the odds of your vote being counted properly.

General

• Double check your registration.

• Know your state’s ID requirements.

• Beware of misinformation.

• Figure out what’s going on with your state.

• Find out what’s on your ballot right now.

• Early voting is an option.

• Ask for help. There are Election Protection Hotlines like 888-API-VOTE, which is run by the Asian and Pacific Islander Vote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

• Manage your expectations for when we’ll get results.

Voting by Mail

• In most states: Register to receive a ballot by mail.

• Look up when your state mails out ballots — and request one ASAP.

  Fill out your ballot, and make sure to follow the instructions exactly to handle any postage, envelopes, or witnesses you may need.

• Return your ballot ASAP by mail or a drop box.

• Track your ballot. (This depends on your state).

Voting In Person - Early Voting Period and Election Day

• Know your voting location for in-person voting.

• Access the ballot if you’re disabled. (Every polling place must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act , or ADA)

• Vote provisionally if you must. Get a receipt so you can track whether it is counted.

This year, because of the pandemic , the responsibility may be on the voter make sure they're able to vote. Casting our ballots is becoming easier and more convenient with early voting, mail-in ballots, and drop boxes in addition to in-person voting. Yet, it’s clear that the voting process is becoming more complicated than just showing up to vote on Election Day. The process is going to be little different for everyone, depending on where you live. Start figuring out the process and make your voting plan today.

Our motto is “Participate overwhelmingly in election.Cast our ballot properly. Vote!“