The primary and general elections are fast approaching. For out-of-state residents interested in voting, this means using absentee ballots.
The dates for many larger primary elections and caucuses are soon. The Super Tuesday caucuses, consisting of 10 Republican caucuses and one Democratic caucus, are March 6. The presidential election is Nov. 6, 2012.
Out-of-state students who choose to vote will have to use absentee ballots. But what is the process for obtaining an absentee ballot?
Students interested in voting absentee in the 2012 primaries and caucuses should fill out the online application located on either the secretary of state’s or county government’s website. Once the ballot arrives in the mail, students should completely fill in the oval to the left of their choice and vote for no more than the number of candidates specified. Then students should mail the completed ballot back to their local board of elections in their hometown. Application deadlines vary by state so students should refer to their state government’s website for deadline dates.
The primaries establish the delegates that will run on the different party tickets for president. While this election does not elect the president, Lori Klein, assistant professor of history and social sciences, said the process is nonetheless important.
“In states where one party is very dominant, the primary vote is as important as the general election, because that party’s candidate is almost guaranteed success in November,” Klein said. “So you certainly want to be a part of picking the candidates.”
There are several things for students to remember when casting an absentee ballot for voting in general elections. Students should mail in their absentee voting applications early and use the set of return envelopes they are given. Applications will not be accepted through fax, email or an early voting center.
The primary elections and absentee ballot processes lead up to the general elections, which is when the president is elected.
“The general election in November is really the heart and soul of representative democracy,” Klein said. “The way we are in charge [in our government] is that we choose who will make the laws that we are to obey. Having a voice in your government is a privilege that many on this planet do not enjoy.”
Senior Eric Ramsey said he feels, as an American, it is his duty to vote.
“Our country was founded by men who wanted their children to be free from a tyrannical government and [to] have the power to choose our leaders,” Ramsey said. “I will not be apathetic about something that my forefathers died for.”
