66% of adults in the US use Facebook, and 45% of that user base utilizes Facebook as a news source. YouTube took second place in this race, with 18% of Americans using the video platform as a news source with Twitter in third with 11%*. Social media reigns supreme as a medium for sharing your message and driving conversions.
*Pew Research Center
Now, let’s use these stats for good! Let’s use social media as a medium to share information on voter registration. Important elections are happening across the US and each and every eligible US citizen should be informed and registered to vote.
Balanced News
I spend a majority of my workday online – with the title of Digital Marketing Manager it is unavoidable. I am barraged with headlines from all over the place. Rather than using Facebook as a news source, I check AllSides – an online “balanced news” source that provides articles on the same topic from the left, right, and center. I highly recommend checking out AllSides.com if you are looking for a new perspective. I will also put a call out there to read more than just the headlines of any article you come across. Information is more important than ever as we approach our upcoming elections.
Now, say you took a look at AllSides and now you are more confused than ever on your political stance. There is a way to find out your affiliation by issues, parties, and candidates – take the “I Side With…” online quiz. It is extremely important to gather all of the information you can on all candidates on either side of the aisle before you cast your ballot.
Am I Eligible to Vote in Colorado?
In order to register to vote in Colorado, you must be:
A United States citizen.
A Colorado resident who has lived in the state for at least 22 days before the election in which you plan to vote.
At least 18 years old by the date of the next election.
You CANNOT vote if you are currently serving a sentence of confinement, detention, or parole for a felony conviction. After you have completed your parole you may register to vote. You will be notified by your county elections office if they require proof of the completion of your parole.
*Information from DMV.org
Am I Already Registered?
Check to see if you are already registered and to see if your registration information is up to date. Visit this website to “Find My Voter Registration”. Not only does this website inform you of your registration status, it also informs you of the information you have on file, the next election in which you may participate, when your ballot will be mailed, WHERE your ballot will be mailed (be sure you have the correct address on file!!!), where you can vote in person or drop off your ballot, as well as your county and district information.
Visit the DMV voter registration page if there is information I missed that you believe you still need in order to get yourself registered in time for Election Day.
I Just Moved Here or Moved Within the State, What Do I Do?
Not a problem! New residents, you are eligible to vote in Colorado on November 6, 2018 if your move in date in Colorado is on or before October 15, 2018. If you moved within the state of Colorado, just make sure your address is up to date and the information has been received before the end of the day on October 30th if you plan on voting by mail. You can also do this in person on Election Day. Deadlines in Colorado Colorado voter registration deadlines are based on the registration method. You can register:
At a voter registration drive: Until 22 days before the election.
Online or by mail: At least 8 days prior to the election.
At a voter service and polling center: Up to and including Election Day.
Remember, when you go to vote, bring a current proof of ID.
Not in Colorado?
Visit IWillVote.com to check your registration, learn where and how to vote in your area, or register yourself. Need extra help? Email me at laurawillhelpyouvote@gmail.com if you need a ride to the polls, more information on registration, help troubleshooting an issue, or if you know someone that could use some help – I will be there for you!
By Laura Walsh