by Judy Ball
2024 is an important election year, and the League of Women Voters wants everyone — yes, everyone — to vote. We want you to vote, whatever your political persuasion.
Most public policy — the outcome of elections — affects people personally and directly. Virtually everyone, regardless of political party, level of interest, discouragement or cynicism, cares about some issue, some policy, that matters to them personally.
Our nonpartisan message is this: Figure out what matters to you, and then vote for that. In other words: Vote for a reason.
Although presidential elections tend to generate their own specific excitement, that may seem distant from your daily life. In fact, our lives are affected by politics at all levels of government: Local government budgets and ordinances; state decisions to adequately fund our foster care system, state workers’ pay, child care and K-12 education, and to prioritize our beloved university so it can continue to meet its students’ goals and contribute to our economy. These are a few examples of how state and local politics are a driving force in our community.
If you think your individual vote is unimportant, you would be wrong. In every election cycle, some races are decided by just a few votes. Sometimes there are ties! Those wouldn’t happen with one. More. Vote. Your vote.
To vote in West Virginia, you must register in advance. The deadline is Oct. 15. Register online at GoVoteWV.com or visit your county clerk’s office. If you think you’re already registered, confirm that online and make updates (e.g., a new address) as needed.
To vote in another state (as some temporary residents will do), the rules will be different. Information on every state’s rules is available at VOTE411.org.
But being registered is not enough. Registering to vote and then not voting is like spiking the ball on the 5-yard line in your run to the end zone. Lots of West Virginians do that. Too many.
If you are registered to vote in West Virginia and have an illness or disability that keeps you from voting in person, get an absentee ballot application at GoVoteWV.com. Many West Virginians who could vote absentee — there are more than a dozen eligibility categories — don’t take advantage of this opportunity.
From Oct. 23 to Nov. 2 (except Sundays), you can vote early in-person in your county. Early voting designed for flexibility, and every county has at least one early voting site.
Your final opportunity to vote is Nov. 5, nationwide Election Day, when you must go to your assigned precinct.
Not sure who to vote for? We encourage you to read our local newspaper and other reliable news sources to learn more about the issues. VOTE411.org will publish information on candidates and their platforms. Another useful source is ballotpedia.org. Consult these resources to find out about candidates and whether their values and priorities align with yours.
Your voice matters. Make sure it is heard!
