The November 2024 presidential election is approaching and the youngest generation of voters are about to become a part of the election process. About 57% of young people aged eighteen to thirty-four have said that they’re extremely likely to cast a ballot in the upcoming election, and 15% have said that they’re very likely to cast a ballot. However, with such a big, new decision comes a process that’s not always well explained. The election process isn’t as dry and cut as it may seem, and young voters are ill-informed on how the election process operates.
Basic information is easily accessible through a google search, but other information seems to not be as widely known or shared. Olathe North AP Government teacher, Matt Sorrels, has seen first-hand some of the confusion surrounding election processes in his own classroom and has some advice to offer.
“Young voters need to know the requirements before voting. It’s important for them to make sure they register in time, have their ID if they vote in person, and know about deadlines with advance voting and mail-in ballots,” Mr. Sorrels said.
There are a few key things young voters must know in order to be eligible to vote on November 5th. The first thing to know about the election process in the state of Kansas is that you must register to vote by October 15th. Without registering by this date, you will not be allowed to cast a ballot. To register, visit the Johnson County election office and click the “Online Voter Registration” button. This will direct you to a page where you will answer a few questions to check your eligibility to vote in the state of Kansas. A form of valid identification will also be required. A driver’s license or state ID card is best, but other forms of identification are allowed and listed on the Johnson County Election Office website.
Making sure you register by the deadline and being informed is vital to be able to vote. However, numerous high-school aged voters feel that they don’t know enough about the process or the candidates to get out to a polling place on election day.
“Honestly, I don’t really know that much about the election or how to vote,” Rocky Kingsby said (12).
This is a sentiment that several young voters are experiencing, however, knowing all your facts and being informed can help to clear up confusion.
If a worry of yours is getting to a polling place on election day, it is possible to request advance voting. Advance voting allows you to vote before the actual election date either by mail or in-person. An application will have to be filled out, but it’s a great alternative for people who can’t make it to a physical polling location.
To find out what location you need to go to, you can look it up on Voter View. The polling place you go to matters, so make sure you are informed on which is the appropriate location to go to and when they open and close. Typically, most polling locations are open from seven in the morning to seven at night, so make sure you check the hours for your specific voting site. All locations will require you to bring a form of ID.
Election years can be stress-inducing, causing tension and confusion throughout the nation, and being a first-time voter can make the process seem even more daunting and can cause anxiety.
“The election has made me stressed about the future, my vote is important and will affect not only me but the whole country,” Maiya Ordiway (12) said.
Getting out to the polls can be an unnerving, high-pressure experience. Nevertheless, keeping yourself informed about current events and the election process can aid in lessening those worries, ultimately helping you make the best decision for yourself and the nation as a whole.