What is an election?

An election is the fair and formal process by which a society chooses representation as well as defines a collected opinion on a range of issues affecting that society. An election ensures that each person in the society is free to express their opinion on a range of subjects that affect all, and that the opinion is recorded, and in doing so tally a majority with the same opinion in order to determine the overall position of the society on that subject.

To cast votes, a ballot listing all of the issues being considered in the election (Propositions, candidates for local, state and federal government positions, etc.) are included and you simply check the boxes with a marker or pen, for each issue recording your choices.

What is needed in order to vote?

In order to vote you must first be a registered voter . This is to prevent fraud and to ensure that only one person is able to cast one ballot in each election. Once you have registered, you can choose how you would like to cast your ballot. If you choose to vote absentee you can do so by marling your completed ballot to the designated mailing address on the absentee ballot envelope. To vote at an official polling booth, you must arrive at the designated location included in your ballot. Once you arrive at your polling center, you go to the table of volunteers who will help you locate your name on the list of registered voters. This list includes your name and residence address, but does not include any other identifiable information (such as party affiliation). You do not need to show proof of your identity.

Top 10 Reasons to Register and Vote

It's your money. The County commissioners, Governor, State Treasurer, legislators, President and members of Congress you vote for will decide how much of our wealth to invest in public services and how to fairly share the tax burden.

It's your children's education. You elect local and state school board members who set public education policy and budgets that will affect how well prepared your children and grandchildren will be for the future. Decisions by our legislators, Governor, members of Congress and President also affect the public schools-- and the quality and cost of higher education as well.

It's your job. Congress, the President, the Governor and your legislators influence what job training is available, minimum wage, pay equity, fairness in hiring, health insurance through your employer, job and pension security, and workplace safety.

It's your health care. Action by the Governor, legislature and Congress has made health insurance accessible. Their decisions on Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance laws determine your access to health care.

They're your highways. Your County commissioners, legislators, Governor and members of Congress decide what highways are needed, what alternatives to highways such as public transit to support, and how to pay the bill.

It's your Social Security. The President and your members of Congress decide how much payroll tax you pay, cost of living increases and benefit schedules for your Social Security pension, and what Medicare services you receive and share payment for.

You breathe the air and drink the water. Your County, State and national elected officials set pollution standards, enforcement strategies and budgets. They plan and zone where roads and industries will be built and how public lands will be used --decisions that can determine how safe your air and water are.

It's your neighborhood. Your elected officials and judges you vote to retain make daily decisions about crime prevention, laws and law enforcement, safe and affordable homes, traffic patterns, where to put schools, parks and recreation.

They're our children. We do our best to keep them healthy, fed, safe, educated and cared for when we are at work or unable to provide. The officials you elect can help or hinder families trying to do their job.

It's your democracy. Make it work. Register and Vote.