FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2024
Contact: Crystal Patterson | [email protected]

Foster Youth Votes are Foster Youth Power — Get Out The Vote

The November 5, 2024 election is almost here, and as civically engaged foster youth activists, we know how important it is to be heard on Election Days and every day in between. By electing people who value children and families and working with them on effective policy design, we can reach our shared goal: transforming the child welfare system. A crucial way we can ensure our voices are heard is to vote.

So what’s your plan to show up on Election Day – or even earlier, if you’re going to take advantage of vote-by-mail or early voting?

Whatever your plan is, it is a great idea to prepare in advance to make the voting process smooth.

First, it is important to check if you are a registered voter. This website allows you to check your registration status as well as your polling place and shows what races and candidates are on your ballot.

If you are not registered, do not worry – 23 states and Washington, DC allow you to register on Election Day or in the days leading up to it. You can check if your state is one of those places by visiting this link.

If you are interested in early voting or absentee voting, keep in mind that every state has different laws for these options. To see if these options are available in your state, visit this website

Did you know that there are many vital races on the ballot on November 5th? Aside from presidential elections, congressional elections are also on the ballot, along with various races unique to different localities.

It is helpful to know what races are happening in your area and to create a mock ballot that you can print and take to your polling place (some states don’t allow the use of phones while you’re voting). Being prepared can boost your confidence and ensure you are well-informed when filling out your ballot. This website explains the role of each position, lists the candidates running, and shares their platforms, allowing you to plan out your vote before seeing a ballot. 

Whether you vote in person, by mail, or early, your participation is crucial in upholding democracy and your values. Let’s commit to making our voices heard. Together, we can create meaningful change.