Vote
About This Guide
This guide contains resources to help college students educate themselves about the national, state and local candidates and issues during this Presidential election year. The fact-checking sources, in particular, included in this guide have been identified as nonpartisan and neutral from the following credible authorities:
- The Initiative & Referendum Institute directs users to Ballotpedia: "For additional nonpartisan information on ballot propositions..."
- Multiple media outlets have identified Project Vote Smart as nonpartisan.
- International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences named FactCheck.org as the best political site 2008, 2010-2012, 2014-2016.
- The Pulitzer Prize Board awarded Politifact.com with a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism (National Reporting category) in 2009.
- The National Association for Media Literacy Education gave reporter Glenn Kessler, the journalist behind the Washington Post Fact Checker, one of its 2015 Media Literate Media Awards.
Other resources, such as candidate web sites and party platforms, which are clearly NOT nonpartisan, are included since it is important to hear directly from the candidates and parties about their backgrounds and where they stand on the issues.
Register to Vote
First things first, you'll need to register to vote. Register before Monday, October 5 in order to vote in the 2020 Election.
- Turbo Vote - if you only use one link, use this one!We make sure you always know when elections are happening, and have the information you need to vote with confidence. Sign up to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, & apply for your absentee ballot!
Find Your Polling Place
Great! You're registered! Now you need to know where to vote. Can't make it to the polls on election day? Request an absentee ballot (see link below).
- My Ohio VoteAll the information you need to know about where to vote - whether it is in person or by absentee ballot.
Mark Your Calendar
Do Your Homework
1. Use the resources contained in this guide to research the candidates and issues at national, state and local levels.
2. View your ballot (see link below) prior to arriving at the polls or voting absentee so you know your choices in advance and you can study the candidates or different sides of the issue.
- See my Sample BallotEnter your zip code to find your sample ballot via Ballotpedia. If your sample ballot is available there, try looking around your state government's web site for sample ballots.
- InfluencersEver wonder who influences politics, aside from voters? You might be surprised!
Interested in Working the Polls?
- Volunteer to be a Poll WorkerThe State of Ohio is seeking out poll workers for Election Day, November 3, 2020. If you are healthy and able and are interested in being a poll station worker, visit the Secretary of State site to learn more.
