OPINION: Democrats Discuss — Time is running out for the 2020 election
Elanor Skees is a junior studying political science. She is a member of the Ohio University College Democrats. The following article reflects the opinions and views of the author and does not represent the thoughts of the Ohio University College Democrats.
This is a submitted column. Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.
It has been said that this year’s election is one of the most influential elections of our lifetime. It is also many college students' first presidential election. With all that at stake, it is so important to vote.
There is only one day left to vote. Nov. 3 is Election Day, so make sure to double-check your polling location and time. Furthermore, make sure you know your rights when going to vote and come prepared with your sample ballot.
In terms of voting in Athens, as of Oct. 28, 4,501 people have voted early at the Athens County Board of Elections office, and 10,031 ballots have been received by mail.
There has also been an increase in youth activism and voting in this election cycle. An article by CNN reports that 51% of people from ages 18-35 are excited to vote, which is 21% more than in 2016. The article also talks about how COVID-19 may have impacted youth turnout in this election by demonstrating the impacts the government has on everyone’s lives.
While the high turnout for this year's election is fantastic, long lines have brought more awareness to the injustices in our voting system. On the first day of early voting, there were counties in Ohio that had lines that took over an hour. Lines like this have been common and the main topic of conversation in past elections, but this is the first time I can remember long lines being a concern for early voting.
The discussion surrounding long lines in elections being a form of voter suppression is not a new one, but it is a problem that continues to dominate the political sphere and is particularly pressing this election season.
The results of this year's election are likely going to take longer than normal to be confirmed because each state has different timelines for counting mail-in ballots. In Ohio, the vote by mail ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 2 and arrive within 10 days after the election to be counted. This means that Ohio alone will have to wait for at least 10 days to know the final results for the election.
Regardless of the results, there is always work to be done to improve our country.
If you are happy about the eventual results of the election, you can volunteer for your county party, for another campaign or for a movement you are passionate about. If you are sad or angered by the results, write letters to your representatives and senators, call your congressmen and congresswomen and stay active in your community.
Whether Democrats win or lose this election, there is always work to be done to ensure the goals of the party and the values of our democracy. We must also always work to protect the legislation that safeguards our rights and liberties.
The Board of Elections’ hours for Election Day are 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can check to see your polling location on the Ohio secretary of state’s website.
If you are in line at your polling place on Election Day at 7:30 p.m., you can still vote since the polls are required to stay open until the last person in line — as of 7:30 p.m. — has voted.
When entering the polling location, wear your mask. Make sure to bring a valid form of ID. Lastly, sharing a picture of your ballot in Ohio is illegal and may result in your ballot being invalidated. Instead, take a picture with your “I voted” sticker or stylus and tell three of your friends to vote.
There is no question that the result of this election will impact our generation for the rest of our lives. Issues including healthcare, women's rights to choose and whether or not the president will listen to the facts concerning climate change are on the ballot. The stakes are high. Ensure that your voice is heard by our government. Vote.