The election is still a few months away, but no time is too early to talk about voting. Here are 11 things to think about as the focus turns to November 3:
Vote early
Marc Elias, one of the foremost election lawyers in the country, suggested that folks should vote early in person if possible. (The video timer is set for this part of the conversation, but the whole interview is interesting.) Doing so reduces the chances of getting caught up in bomb scares and intimidation. Also, he says, folks won’t be liable to more mundane election day problems such as power failures. And there rarely are long lines during early voting except perhaps for the last day or so. Elias also says that there seem to be fewer rejections than mail-in ballots. The interviewer is Simon Rosenberg of Hopium Chronicles.
Make a Voting plan
Humans are creatures of habit. If you make a plan to vote–say in between dropping off the laundry and going to the gym–you are more likely to actually do it. Phone bankers will harp on this advice as the day grows closer.
Research candidates
It’s not too much of a leap from “it’s your responsibility to vote” to “it’s your responsibility to vote responsibly.” That can be left or right, moderate or fringe. It’s of course up to you. The point here is that it would be a shame to make the effort to get to your polling place and end up picking names randomly.
There are political websites and blogs (including this one), traditional media, AI, 24/7 political coverage on television and other sources. Beginner’s primer or a graduate course level information is available. Take advantage of the opportunities to learn who you are voting for and their positions on important topics.
Fill out the whole ballot
Don’t sleep on lower offices and bond issues, ballot initiatives and library and school budgets. These aren’t Trump v. Clinton or Gore v. Bush. But they are important. Ironically, they can have more immediate impact on your life than the high-profile elections. Put another way: Who is more likely to clean up your local park: The president or your city council person?
Offer somebody a ride to vote
There are seniors, disabled and other citizens who for some reason don’t vote by mail. Perhaps it’s simply that they enjoy getting out and going through the process. These folks could use a hand getting to the polls. Political organizations often offer rides to people likely to vote their way, but some of these often hidden populations fall through the cracks. You can help these folks get their voices heard.
Location, location, location
In fact, you can do so (enter your address here). This may fit into the “make a plan” category, but it’s important enough to have its own little category. Voting may be conducted in different locations (i.e. local in one place, federal in another) and polling places change. Check out where you should go.
Check for ID checks
Check out what ID is needed for the election. Politicians are arguing over voter ID laws nationwide. It’s a big issue and how it is decided will have great consequences. It’s smart to visit the state website or call the local party to find out what you need. This site can tell you what, if any, ID is needed for voting.
Help out
Poll work is quite a commitment. Training is required and it’s a very long day. There is the chance that outside agitators will make trouble. It’s not for everyone. If you can’t do it remember to thank those who do.
Put it in the box
If you vote by mail, leave plenty of time for the ballot to reach the authorities. This, along with voter IDs, is a political football. As usual, the simplest approach is best. Stick your ballot in the mailbox way early and forget about it.
Get in touch
Call or text friends and family and remind them to vote, whether they live in your community or thousands of miles away.
Check the weather
If you don’t like going out in the rain, wind or snow (albeit the latter is rare for early November) keep an eye on the weather. If election day is looking dicey, perhaps you can make a last minute switch and catch the end of early voting.
"Carl Weinschenk is a veteran technology and telecommunications journalist who has covered the industry for decades. He created Vote This Time to encourage sporadic and non-voters to participate in the 2026 midterm elections."
By Carl Weinschenk
The election is still a few months away, but no time is too early to talk about voting. Here are 11 things to think about as the focus turns to November 3: