University of New England: Amanda Hall

It's that time of year! The weather is getting colder, the World Series is about to take place, and the Patriots are back playing football. Now you have to get out and VOTE! I'm sure many of you have seen some election promotion and/or political commercials. I've noticed that many of my fellow classmates don't even know when their home state's election is taking place. That is why this week's blogg is about giving you the privilege to vote.

First I'll start with my home state, Maine. Our general election is Tuesday November 7th! This year we'll be voting for our state governor, United States senator, and our representative to congress. If you are be unable to make it to your home town to vote you can easily apply for an absentee ballot. Provided is a link to Maine's online Absentee Application. Just fill in the general questions (name, DOB, address) and the address you want your ballot sent to. You'll automatically receive a printable absentee ballot application complete with the address to your local Municipal Clerk. In a week or so you should receive your official ballot in the mail. From there you simply vote. Then mail your ballot back to your towns Municipal Clerk, and then you're done!

New Hampshire voters! Your general election is Tuesday November 7th. Unfortunately I could not find an online absentee application. Your state's absentee application requirements states:

If you meet the state's voter requirements and qualifications and are unable to register in person because of physical disability, religious beliefs, military service, or because of temporary absence, you may register by mail. You should request an absentee voter registration affidavit and a standard voter registration form from your town/city clerk. The absentee voter registration affidavit must be witnessed and then both the affidavit and the voter registration form are to be returned to your town/city clerk.

You can print an Absentee Application by this link: http://www.sos.nh.gov/vote.htm#ABSENTEE
In a week or so you should receive your official ballot in the mail. From there you simply vote. Then mail your ballot back to your town's clerk. Then you're done!

Massachusetts voters! Your general election date is Tuesday November 7th. Here is a link to the Absentee Application Request Site. This is very simple and helpful, and your state allows family members to apply for an application for you too. You can print an online application, but you do need to know your town clerk's address. In a week or so you should receive your official ballot in the mail. From there you simply vote. Then mail your ballot back to your town's clerk. Then you're done!

Vermont voters! Your general election date is Tuesday November 7th. Here is a link to the Absentee Application Request Site. It is pretty simple, and your states site has a printable application. All you need is your town clerk's address, which you can get by clicking on this address http://vermont-elections.org/elections1/town_clerks_guide.html, and click on town clerks. Once you mail your application you'll receive an official ballot in the address you provide. From there you simply vote. Then mail your ballot back to your town's clerk. Then you're done!

Connecticut voters! Your general election date is Tuesday November 7th. Here is a link to the Absentee Application Request Site. There are 3 different types of applications, I recommend clicking on “English Language Application for Absentee Ballot Form.” Your state allows family members to apply for an application for you, but you do need to know your town's clerk address,which can be found under your town's website. Once you mail your application you'll receive an official ballot in the address you provide. From there you simply vote. Then mail your ballot back to your town's clerk. Then you're done!

Rhode Island Voters! Your general election date is Tuesday November 7th. Here is a link to the Absentee Application Request Site. There are 3 different applications, but the “General Election Mail Ballot Application.” This application provides all the addresses of your states town clerks, but you need to hurry to make the Oct 17 deadline. Once you mail your application you'll receive an official ballot in the address you provide. From there you simply vote. Then mail your ballot back to your town's clerk. Then you're done!

All this information is provided on state websites. You can reach your states website by google, but make sure it's the official site (look for a .gov at the end of the web address). Your state website will also provide information of election candidates, and voting information.