Voting 101
It’s election season! Elections can be a stressful time for everyone, whether you are a first time voter or a seasoned voting veteran. Not to mention, having to vote while dealing with the semester is more than enough to deal with. I want to help you navigate this election season with some general knowledge you should know before election day (Tuesday, November 5th, 2024).
How can I check if I’m registered to vote?
Each state’s Board of Elections has a website that allows you to review your voter registration status. Below are the voter lookup tools for D.C, Maryland, and Virginia.
- D.C – https://apps.dcboe.org/vrs.
- Maryland – https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/votersearch.
- Virginia – https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/status.
Don’t live in the DMV area? No worries! If you are an out of state student, you can visit the Can I Vote website, where you will be able to select your state from a drop-down menu and immediately be redirected to your state’s voter lookup tool.
If you find out that you are not registered to vote, do not worry! Deadlines to register to vote can vary by state and by voting method (in-person/by mail). If you choose to register to vote for your home state, check out Vote.org to see when your state’s voter registration deadline is. Deadlines for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia can be found below.
- D.C.
- For online registration and registration by mail: October 15th, 2024
- For in-person registration: November 5th, 2024
- Maryland
- For online registration and registration by mail: October 15th, 2024
- For in-person registration: November 5th, 2024
- Virginia
- For online registration and registration by mail: October 15th, 2024
- For in-person registration: October 15th, 2024
Where can I vote if…
…I’m an in-state student?
Your polling place is determined by your county and your home address. The Maryland Voter Lookup tool can display your polling place, as well as your registration status. If your address has changed, update it by the online registration deadline so you are at the right place at the right time! On election day, you must vote at your assigned polling place!
If you wish to vote elsewhere, such as on campus, you must update your address to your local address (apartment/house/dorm building in MD) by Tuesday, October 15th, 2024. If not, you will only be able to vote at your original assigned polling place.
If you are in-state and wish to participate in early voting, you may vote at any of the following early voting places in your county. Find the closest early voting place in your county here.
…I’m an out-of-state student?
You have two options! You can either register with your home address in your home state and request a mail-in ballot OR you can register to vote with your local address (apartment/house/dorm building in MD) to vote in-person in Maryland.
To vote with your home address in your home state, deadlines to register for an absentee or mail-in ballot vary by state. To check your state’s deadline, visit the Can I Vote website for more information. To submit your absentee/mail-in ballot, the closest ballot drop box location is the College Park Community Center.
To vote with your local address, you must register to vote by Tuesday, October 15th, 2024. You can visit the Maryland Board of Elections website to read more about the voter registration process. The closest polling place in College Park will most likely be STAMP and/or Ritchie Coliseum.
Where can I read about this year’s presidential candidates?
Social media is not always your best friend when it comes to informing yourself on politics. If you would like to read up on each candidate and their policies, try finding news-based websites that generally provide news on politics. For example, CNN has a great interactive website detailing and breaking down the presidential candidates and their running mates. Click the button below to see the candidates.
When is the next debate?
The next debate will be the Vice President Debate, held on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 from 9:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. The debate will be streamed on several platforms such as YouTube, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and more. You can also find watch parties around campus!
To watch the previous President Debate, you can find the entire stream here. Highlights of the debates can also be found here.
What should I do if I’m feeling anxious about voting?
Anxieties about voting is completely normal! Politics can be very charged but, do not let that stop you from exercising your right to vote!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this election season, make sure to take breaks from the news from time to time. Consuming all that political commentary can really take a toll your mental health; give yourself time away from it!
In addition, talk to trusted individuals about your anxieties about voting. Your parents, friends, therapists, etc. would be more than happy to hear you out. Don’t keep it in, talk it out!
Finally, practice self-care. Treat yourself to your favorite snack or mediate. Whatever brings your peace, do that when you find yourself spiraling about voting!
Midterms 101
Midterm season is upon us…dun, dun, dunnnn! However, you can make the most of this time of the semester and conquer your midterms if your play your cards right. You may be wondering: how should you play your cards right? Well, here’s some guiding questions that can help you prepare for your upcoming exams!
What are some good questions to ask my professor about my midterm?
What are some good study spots around campus?
- Will the exam be lecture heavy or reading heavy?
- What is the format of the exam? (MC, short answer, fill in the blank, etc.)
- Will future exams be cumulative?
- Will a study guide be provided?
What should I do if I don’t get a good grade on my exam?
- Go to your professor’s/TA’s office hours to discuss your exam and gain clarity on the things you got wrong.
- Consider what future assignments can bring up your grade, including extra credit opportunities.
- Meet with a College/Departmental Advisor to discuss next steps if you think you may need to drop the class. The Feller Center is a great resource to discuss your general advising plan and talk out these issues!
How should I study for my exam?
- Studying methods
- General tips
- Do not cram!!! Try to schedule ahead and set aside days and times dedicated to studying.
- Give yourself breaks within study sessions. Take a walk. Eat good food. Talk to friends!
What’s Up With DSAC?
The BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council always has some amazing events planned each month so, what’s coming up this month and in the month to come? Take a peek below!
October
First Generation Turtle Beading
Location: STAMP, Studio A | Date: October 9th | Time: 7 to 8 P.M
Spend some time with fellow first-generation students while doing some fun crafts! RSVP here.
Coming Up…
International Education Week
International Education Week will be observed from November 18th to November 22nd. The BSOS DSAC has some exciting programming coming up to celebrate our international students! Stay tuned to see how you can celebrate with us!
BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council 