Election day is fast approaching, and with this being coined as the most pivotal election in recent American history, many students on campus may be wondering how to ensure their vote counts this Election Day. The U.S. General Election will take place in less than a month, but what exactly happens that day, and what should you do to prepare?
Whether you are a first-time voter or a seasoned voting veteran, we have your U.S. General Election Day questions answered.
Q: What do I need to do before Election Day to prepare to vote?
A: First things first: mark your calendar. The U.S. General Election is taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. If you choose to vote on Election Day in person, this is the date you need to remember. Early in-person voting is also an option, open from Sept. 20 to Nov. 4. For more information on early voting, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Before Election Day you should also register to vote. You can easily do so with your Minnesota driver’s license or Social Security number, your email address and five minutes. Visit the secretary of state website and follow the simple instructions.
If you miss registering before Election Day, don’t worry! You can always register at the polls on the day of the election. If you choose to register the day of, make sure you check out this list of credentials to bring with you to the polls to confirm your eligibility when registering.
Q: I am from out of town or out of state. Can I vote on campus?
A: Yes, you can vote here at UST, whether you are from St. Paul, greater Minnesota or anywhere in the U.S. The only requirements for voting on campus include being 18 years old by the day of the election, being a U.S. citizen and choosing the school address as your home.
You do not have to vote on campus, however. You can instead choose to return to vote from your off-campus home address’s polling location. If you are in Minnesota, you can find that polling location here by entering your home address. If you are from out of state and want to vote for your home address, you can do so by mail through an absentee ballot.
Q: Where do I go to vote on campus?
A: If you choose to vote on campus this year using your St. Thomas address, your polling place will be McNeely Hall. On the day of voting, you will see plenty of signs in the hall pointing you in the right direction.
Be prepared that you may be asked about your local precinct when determining which ballot you will receive. St. Thomas is located in St. Paul Precinct W-4 P-05 1040. A precinct is an official way of labeling a geographical area for election purposes.
Q: When are the polls open?
A: McNeely Hall will be open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. CDT on Nov. 5, 2024.
Q: Who/what will be on the ballot?
A: Be ready to see more than just the presidential candidates on the St. Paul ballot. There will be elections for Congressional District 4, MN Senate 64, MN House 64A, constitutional amendments, city-related questions and judicial offices.
Don’t let the ballot overwhelm you. Instead, take an hour before you head to the polls to do a brief read-up on the names and issues you will see on your ballot. Check out The Crest’s guide to the St. Paul ballot for a quick guide to the offices and issues at stake.
Anna Brennan can be reached at bren7501@stthomas.edu.