The Granite State Organizing Project is a grassroots, non-profit, non-partisan community support organization serving residents of the state of New Hampshire. Our aim is to help all residents improve their quality of life and equip them with tools and advocacy for what matters to them. In this spirit, we offer abrief, and hopefully effective, approach to prepare to vote should you intend to exercise that privilege.
As you read this, ideally you have already accomplished much of what you need to prepare for the mid-term elections on November 3rd. If not, no worries; it is not too late. Here is a six-step strategy to be prepared on election day.
STEP 1- Do not panic! Visit the Secretary of State website at https://sos.nh.gov/elections for a comprehensive list of resources and links. You can check here to see if you are registered to vote.
STEP 2- If you do need to register to vote, you will need to prove your age, citizenship, identity and domicile (address). Review and assemble the documents you need to register and bring them with you to your town or city clerk's office in the upcoming weeks. You can also register at the polls on election day. If you are already registered you are ahead of the game.
STEP 3- Already registered; great. Spend some time reflecting on what issues are most important to you. Jot them down for quick reference and reminders for step 4.
STEP 4- Find the Sample Ballot link on the Secretary of State website to see the candidates vying for your support. By now this should have been updated to reflect the General Election contenders. It’s very straightforward and menu driven by town of residence.
STEP 5- Google candidate profiles and websites directly, or use https://engagedcitizensnh.org/who-should-i-vote-for to learn where candidates stand on issues. Study and review according to the time you have.
STEP 6- Show up on election day! Bring your government issued photo ID! There’s nothing quite like the feeling that you have contributed to a time-honored institution and the opportunity to have your needs represented. If you are indeed a little behind the curve, don’t be discouraged. The easiest thing any of us can do is… just show up.
Good Luck! For more information on GSOP visit:
http://www.granitestateorganizing.org
William L. Glenn, Jr. - Volunteer For Granite State Organizing Project/Souhegan Vallley Chapter.
