Hey there! It’s okay to be afraid. Can I walk you through the process? Sometimes for me the fear comes from not knowing how things work. I’m happy to talk you through it if you like.

randomslasher:

romananalogicality:

the weird thing is this is my second time voting so i should know how this shit works but i still don’t lmao so yeah i’d really appreciate it if you explained it to me if you really don’t mind 💛

@romananalogicality Of course! Even though I’ve voted before I sometimes still feel better knowing what to expect. 

So you’ll drive to your polling place, which you can find online if you’re not sure. By this time of day the line is probably going to be very short; it’s very long early right when the polls open but it clears out after business hours start. 

You’ll walk into the building. There will be signs marking the way. You’ll get in line so the poll workers can verify your registration. most places nowadays only need your photo ID, but if you have a voter registration card that’s not a bad thing to bring along. If your ID doesn’t match your address then you will want to bring something with your address on it too, like a bank statement. 

You’ll hand them your ID. They’ll look you up. They’ll probably ask you to verbally verify your address so they can mark you off in their register. Then they’ll give you instructions on how to vote. 

In my district we’re still on paper ballots, but it may vary depending. Some places use electronic machines. Either way, the workers will explain how it works, where to go, and how to submit the ballot once you have filled it out. If you have any questions, they’re there to answer them. No one can talk to you about who you are voting for or how you plan to vote. No one can talk to you about candidates or ballot measures. No one can try to intimidate you or persuade you into doing anything. It’s all totally confidential. This is all by law.  

You’ll sit down, or stand up depending on your machine; you’ll fill out the ballot, and then you’ll turn it in. Then you will probably get a sticker. 

That’s it! It’s not so bad when you break it down into small steps. Just pretend you’re going to the bank instead of the polls. 

I believe in you! You can do it! 🙂 You got this!!!