Elizabeth “Eth” Hyman

Staff Writer

It would seem that it’s that time of year again: time to vote! 

With midterm elections right around the corner, the city of Greensboro is gearing up for voting season. Regardless of your party, your vote will be counted and valued in our great democratic process. Several locations all over the city have already opened. Specific to Guilford County, there is the Friendly Avenue Baptist Church (guilfordcounty.gov), conveniently located only nine minutes from campus (according to Uber). If you’ve got the time in your schedule, the window for early voting this year is from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5 (howto.vote).

Naturally, if you’re as busy a bee as I am, you may want to wait till Election Day, which will be Nov. 8, though it may be a bit more crowded. Still, casting the ballot itself will only take a moment, so it shouldn’t take up too much of your study time. As Americans, the voting process is not just sacred to our institution, but it is the method by which we call ourselves a democracy. There is strength in voicing your opinion, and there is no wrong opinion. At our core, voting is the hue in all of us by which we paint the canvas of America. While that may be the most ham-handed metaphor you’ve ever heard, take it to be true.

The opportunity is open to you, and the research is there to do for the candidates in question through several NC-centered websites. For example, there’s ncelection.com, where you can view a sample ballot, in case you’re the type that needs a visual aid beforehand. Whether you bleed red, blue, or otherwise, there are several stops in Greensboro to cast that vote.

As per usual, you must be over the age of 18 to vote, and if it’s your first time voting, you must bring your ID or some form of identification, such as a paycheck “or other government document that shows your name and address” (howto.vote). Poll workers will be present to guide you through the process and help to make certain the voting procedure for you is a smooth one. To register to vote (if you’re a bit late to the party) you can go to howto.vote or usa.gov for instructions, as well as several other websites that include links that walk you through the registration process. They spell out every step you’ll need to take in order to cast that ballot. 

Whether it is your first time voting or your trillionth, know that, by voting, you are weaving the fabric of this nation, carefully setting the standard by which we govern and the message we send, so choose wisely, and take pride in this historic process. This country does not have a set belief. We are a union of all beliefs, hence our name: The UNITED States. United in variety, united in know-how and united in the courage of our convictions. Stand by your candidate, and however you decide to vote, let it be known that the city of Greensboro, like every one of the great cities all across America, maintains the spark in all voters through all forms of voting access. Though voting is never mandatory, access to voting is something we as a nation hold in the highest regard. For more information, you can visit howto.vote, vote.org or guilfordcountync.gov.

 In closing, whether you decide to vote or not, which is entirely up to you, stand tall. Know that your voice is going on that ballot, and your voice is treasured in America. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do your research. All the websites listed in this article can give you the info you need, and if that’s not enough then ask around. Whatever makes you feel more secure in your vote is a good step.Remember: this process sets the precedent for our entire way of life. It was former President Lyndon B. Johnson who once said, “The vote is the most powerful instrument devised by man” (azquotes.com/quote/148249). Take that however you will, and know the great strength you can wield with just one vote.

Categories: Opinions

Tags: early voting, opinions, politics