In alignment with the Big Ten Conference, University of Maryland Athletics announced the launch of its "VoTERP" initiative on July 23, 2020, a student-athlete and staff-led campaign developed to provide Maryland student-athletes and staff with non-partisan resources to educate, activate and vote.
 
Voters around the country will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8 for Election Day. Information on how to vote, your ballot and how your vote matters is below.

What's on my ballot?

Use these non-partisan websites for understanding what's on your ballot. Simply enter your voting address and your sample ballot will be populated. It will show you who is on your ballot and what ballot measures you'll be able to vote on. It also provides unbiased information and context for each ballot measure, to help you make an informed decision on your own.
●      https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup
●      https://www.vote411.org/ballot
 

Our Communities Are Affected By Our Vote

 
Most citizens tend to focus on national (presidential) elections; however, it is local elections that have the greatest and most direct effect on the services you receive and the taxes you pay.
 
Local elections occur on a yearly basis. These ballots consist of elected officials who dictate the local laws, policies and budget and also include ballot measures
 
Local elected officials vary by state and municipalities. Some examples include:
●      Mayor
●      City Council/Councilmembers
●      Circuit Court Judges
●      District Attorney
●      School Board Members
●      Sheriff
 
For roles and responsibilities of local elected officials visit:
●      Rock The Vote
●      Municipal Research and Services Center
 
Areas of Impact:
●      Parks & Recreation
●      Taxes
●      Public Schools
●      Transportation
●      Housing
●      Jobs and Wages
●      Court System
 
Learn more about your local government here: https://www.usa.gov/local-governments
 
 

Your Vote Matters!

 
Although voting is a fundamental act of civic engagement through which people contribute to democracy, young adults have historically voted at lower rates than older adults.
●      2014 midterm election: 20% of 18-29 year olds voted
●      2016 general election: 46.1% of 18-29 year olds voted
●      2018 midterm election: 36% of 18-29 year olds voted
 
However, It's not only young people who vote at low rates. In the 2016 election, only 61.4% of all eligible voters (regardless of age) voted.
 
Youth voters who want to inspire change need to show their support for the candidates whom they feel best represent their needs. No one else is going to vote in the interest of young people except young people.
 
You're voting for more than just elected officials.
Ballot measure: a law, issue, or question that appears on a state or local ballot for voters to decide.
Ballot measures are often voted on in each election cycle. These ballot measures directly affect you on a state, regional, or local level.
 
Health care, national security, immigration, equal opportunity, voting rights, infrastructure, jobs, education, social security, neighborhood safety, taxes, etc. are all affected by your vote.
 

How to Research Candidate Platforms

●      Receiving information from credible, non-biased sources can provide a clearer picture of the candidate and how their views on issues may align with yours.
●      There are many resources available that allow voters to gather unbiased information on ballot issues
●      Educating yourself on the candidates and ballot issues can help you vote for the person who best aligns with issues that matter to you and make sure your voice is represented.

Resources
Use these non-partisan websites for understanding candidates and their platforms:

•  https://www.isidewith.com/
  • This website provides you with resources and a quiz to help you understand how your values/beliefs align with certain policies, actions and nominees.
• https://www.congress.gov/
  • For current/former members of The House of Representatives or Senate, you can look up policies and voting records of candidates to find issues they value and concentrate on.
• https://www.vote411.org/ballot
  • Compare and contrast Candidates views on current political issues
    • Enter address to view all current elections in area as well as laws on ballots
• https://www.factcheck.org/
  • A good site to use to fact check candidates and some of the statements they make on issues

GET INVOLVED

●      Become an election judge in Prince George's County
●      Ensure your voter registration status and sign up for election reminders