HoosVote: What You Need to Do Now

To
All Students
From
Ceci Cain, Bianka Warrick, and Spogmai Anwar, Student Council

Dear Students:

Now, more than ever, our democracy needs full participation. Early voting has already begun in many states, including Virginia, and the deadline to register to vote or update voter registration in Virginia is just around the corner on October 17. Voting in elections is a chance for our generation to represent who we are, what we care about, and what we value.

For some of us, this is our first time casting a ballot, while others are experienced voters. The resources provided below include information you need to vote successfully between now and November 8. Visit the Hoos Vote Election Connection for even more resources. 

Sincerely, 

Ceci Cain
Student Council President

Bianka Warrick
Spogmai Anwar
Co-Directors, Student Council Legislative Affairs Agency

Step One: Check, Update and Confirm Your Voter Registration

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  • Students have a choice of where to vote – either where they attend school or at their “permanent” address. Register where you want to vote and vote where you are registered.
  • Check and update your Virginia registration.
    • If you are already registered to vote but have moved or visited the DMV since your last registration, be sure to update your registration with your current preferred address.
  • If you’re an out-of-state student, find your voter registration status for another state. You may also register to vote in Virginia, but note that this will change your residency.
    • If you are an out-of-state student and wish to vote in Charlottesville, you must fill out a paper voter registration form and send it to the registrar’s office.
Step Two: Determine WHERE and HOW you are voting
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Step Three: Be Prepared!
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  • Plan transportation to the polls ahead of time. Student Council will be providing free rides to early voting locations and Election Day polling places through Charlottesville Yellow Cab. Simply call 434-295-4131 or visit their website to book a ride. When your taxi arrives, tell your driver to bill the UVA Student Council business account.
  • Identification
    • If you have valid identification, bring it with you. Valid identification includes student ID, driver’s license (expired or unexpired), valid U.S. passport, voter confirmation documents.
    • Don’t have identification? You can still vote! Voters without ID are required to sign a statement that you are the registered voter that you claim to be. 
    • Read full identification requirements.
Step Four: Educate yourself on the candidates!
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  • Visit VoteSmart for a nonpartisan guide to the candidates. 
  • Think about what issues matter most to you, and look at how they align with the candidates’ views. It is unlikely that you will agree with everything a candidate thinks, but at least you can choose the one who will represent the things that matter most to you.