The 2020 presidential election is here. It’s a right and privilege to be able to participate in this and several other elections for leadership positions in the United States government. In fact, it’s a responsibility everyone should take very seriously.
There are several different times for voters to cast their ballots. This is especially helpful for busy professionals who don’t have the flexibility to vote at their leisure. This list provides 8 different voting times you can choose from to make sure your voice is heard in these elections.
1. Early Voting
Election day isn’t the only time American citizens can cast their votes. Early voting options cater to those who cannot vote in November or who simply want to get their vote in early.
You can vote in-person or send an absentee ballot by mail. Check which options are most available based on the state you live in. Whatever you can do to vote is a good decision.
It’s important to note that early voting may not be available to you by the time this is published. Just keep in mind that for future elections, this is an option you can pursue.
2. During Your Commute
During open voting times, you can make a stop by a polling station on your way to work. You’ll have to push your morning routine a bit earlier, but if this is the best time available, you’ll have to adjust.
Schedule your voting day in your online calendar. Take a look at your morning schedule for that day and see what changes need to be made. Take the time to set your alarm a little earlier and brew an extra cup of coffee just in case.
3. Lunch Break
Most employers offer a lunch break typically lasting between a half-hour to a full one. This gives you plenty of time to get out and vote before you have to clock back in. Check to see if you have a local polling station that’s open and close by, then plan a quick trip to your online calendar.
Most workers use their breaks for just that, to rest between halves of their shift. Getting a good rest is important, but so is voting. It’s worth sacrificing one break this week to go out and get it done.
4. After Work Hours
This may sound like an obvious answer, but it would be criminal not to include it. Voting booths are open after normal work hours to cater to the working class who aren’t available until after five o’clock. Everyone should get a fair chance to vote, after all.
One of the best ways to capitalize on after work hours is to schedule a stop at your local polling place right when you clock out. Simply add a reminder in your online calendar to vote on your way home, and it’ll be done before you know it. If you’re afraid of a post-work rush, consider one of the other options listed.
5. On Your Day Off
Even the busiest professionals have a day off every once in a while. This is the perfect day to take the time to go and vote. It won’t take all day, so you’ll still have time to rest, recover, and enjoy a day away from work.
Pick a time to vote on a day you aren’t scheduled to work close to election time. Add it to your online calendar and commit to it. It should be easy to make time to vote when work isn’t taking up most of your day.
6. On Company Time
Talk to your boss or manager about your desire to vote. Explain that it’s difficult to make time because of your busy schedule. If you’re lucky, they’ll empathize with you and work something out with you.
Going to vote could end up being a team affair. Taking the time to pack up and hit the polls could be a great bonding experience, as well as a way your company shows that it cares about its country and the rights of their employees.
7. Election Day
What a concept to vote on the day of the election. However, think it over carefully as some companies make extra efforts to enable their employees to vote these days. Some even go as far as closing their doors entirely so the entire organization can go out and vote.
Inquire about your company’s election day policy before making other plans. You may find out they are enabling you to vote that day easily. You won’t have to try and squeeze voting into your schedule, thanks to them.
As a friendly reminder, November 3rd is the official election day. November Third will be the final day to vote and the day that ballots will be counted. No more mail-in or other options after that date.
8. Recommended Local Times
The election this year is an unprecedented election because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety precautions will lead to some interesting polling environments you should be made aware of, such as additional polling locations and efforts to reduce lines.
Luckily, local news outlets will be reporting changes and updates made to voting locations and polling times. Keep up with press releases in your area, and you’ll have a good idea of when and where you should be, as well as some peace of mind.
The most important thing is to do whatever you can to get out and vote. Making your voice heard and influencing major decisions in this country is part of your duty as an American. Scroll back through this list to get an idea of when you can and should vote, then go out and make it happen.
Hunter Meine
Hunter Meine is a BYU-Idaho graduate, husband, father, and writer. When he's not writing, he's playing sports or enjoying the outdoors with his wife and daughter.