First-Time Voting? Here's a guide.

A voter inserting a mail-in ballot into the ballot box. (Image Credit: Bloomberg.)

BY NICANOR MAINA / STAFF WRITER

Nov. 3 is Election Day, which means it’s time to vote! Here is a guide to voting for the first time from a fellow college student voting out of state. 

This year, the 2026 United States midterm election is being held. It is a general election where voters choose members of Congress, made up of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Essentially, whichever party wins–either Democratic or Republican—gains control of Congress and can draft proposed laws, control the United States' budget, and approve presidential choices.

Before casting your ballot, review your state's residency laws, as they differ. Your ability to cast a ballot depends on your timely eligibility. Make sure you are safe and prepared by visiting the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Understanding the meaning behind each name is crucial. You can learn more about the policies and ideologies you are voting for by researching the candidates on the ballot. These choices will determine the course of events in your town, and this is one of the most significant chances for your voice to be heard.

Once you have analyzed who’s on the ballot, decide if you would like to support them in the upcoming election. If this is your first time voting outside of your home state, look at what policies you would like to be added to your local community, labelled as “propositions.”

If you are voting for your hometown, then focus on changes that you would like to see made there. Each state has its own set of voting laws; some states require voter ID, have different voter registration and early voting deadlines, and offer different methods to vote. So, be sure you have all the correct information before submitting your ballot. 

Check if you have declared a political party for your voter registration. This is where you decide whether you want to vote early in person or on Election Day at a polling location. If you do this, compile all the identification needed as proof of residency, such as utility bills and bank statements.

If you are voting for your home state while out of state, ensure that you are registered to your home address by checking with the state secretary’s website. Most importantly, request your absentee ballot so that you can have it mailed in on time to be counted in the vote. Ensure that all of your information for your ballot is correct. And lastly, make sure your ballot arrives and is counted. 

If you are registering to vote in the state of your college, follow the same procedures; for LIU students, it is labeled as “New York State.” Once you meet the requirements for the in-state deadline, some states will allow for same-day registration.

During presidential elections, terms like "Battleground State" or "Swing State" will be thrown around. These indicate that either the Democratic or Republican presidential candidate has a reasonable chance of winning the election with a swing-in vote. Elections are heavily influenced by the youth vote, which has the potential to improve communities. 

Voters filling out their ballots. (Photo Credit: The Guardian)

Discuss the significance of voting with your lab partner, friends, and roommates. Asking them if they are registered to vote can be a simple way to start a conversation. We can change the voting culture by fostering a friendly and constructive conversation about voting.

Voting is important, and you have the freedom to voice your opinions without fear of retaliation or peer pressure. It is ultimately up to you to decide what to vote for and where to cast your ballot. You will be able to cast a confident ballot if you make a commitment to conduct thorough research.