By SHARI FRANK, guest columnist
Have I got a deal for you! I’ll plan your dinner for the next four years!
Well, no, I don’t know what you like to eat.
Well, true, I might spend more of your money than you want.
Well, no, I don’t even know if “dinner” is to you the meal at lunch or in the evening. But don’t worry, I’ll take care of it for you.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Sound good?
Well, no, I don’t think so either.
But, if you don’t vote, you’re letting somebody else — the people who do vote — decide your plan for “dinner” for the next four years.
Health care, roads, schools, taxes — everything that affects daily life is decided by officials we the people elect. In the primary, some elections were decided by a handful of votes!
In Brown County, in 2016, 4,613 (39 percent) of voters gave up their voice by not voting, allowing others to elect the people who make decisions that affect daily life.
And young voters: take a look at who does the voting and you might realize how important your voice is in deciding who is in charge. In 2016, studies show 71 percent of voters age 65 and up turned out, compared to less than half of 18- to 29-year-olds.
Make your plan
Did you know, if you make a plan to vote, you’re more likely to vote?
Picture yourself voting. Look for any problems that might come up and figure out how to solve them. What time will you vote? Where will you vote? Will you need transportation? Will you take someone with you? Do you need to take time off work? Do you need childcare? Do you have your ID? Do you know what’s on your ballot?
Answer these questions now and you are more likely to vote and have your voice heard.
Will you vote in person early?
Early voting is available Oct. 6 to Nov. 1, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Brown County early voting moved to Deer Run Park, bottom level of Veterans Hall, 920 Deer Run Lane, Nashville.
Remember to take photo ID, such as Indiana driver’s license or Indiana-issued photo ID card, military ID or U.S. passport. A student ID from an Indiana state school may be used if it meets the above requirements.
First-time voters might need additional proof of residence, such as a utility bill. Check before you go to see what you need.
Will you vote absentee ballot by mail?
Apply for the ballot by Thursday, Oct. 22 online at IndianaVoters.com or contact the Brown County clerk’s office.
Be sure you follow instructions on the ballot and sign the envelope.
Return the ballot by mail in time to arrive by noon Nov. 3.
Or, drop off the completed ballot during early voting hours, weekdays Oct. 6 to Nov. 2, at the election board office at Deer Run.
No ID is required for absentee voting by mail.
Will you vote in person on election day?
Polls are open on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Find your polling location at IndianaVoters.com. Each precinct has its own location to vote.
Get the bipartisan travel board to come to you to help you vote.
This option is available if you are disabled or confined or ill.
Apply online at IndianaVoters.com or call the Brown County clerk’s office at 812-988-5510.
What’s on the ballot
See what’s on your ballot and learn about candidates — even judges — before you vote. Sometimes people don’t want to vote because they don’t know the candidates. But, League of Women Voters has you covered!
Go to the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website to learn about local, state and national candidates: Vote411.org, (https://www.vote411.org/ballot).
Enter your address to see the races and candidates on your ballot. Click on the candidates to learn about them and compare. Scroll through candidate forum videos for Brown County Commissioner, Brown County Council, Brown County school board and U.S. 9th District Representative.
Local candidate forum videos also can be viewed on YouTube: Brown County School Board https://youtu.be/hGdapMVrEcA; Brown County Council https://youtu.be/tnUiPjo1tUM; Brown County Commissioners https://youtu.be/YGR-FEzHePI; U.S. Congress 9th District: https://youtu.be/rWQTa3-qe4I.
Keys to the Candidates, with local candidate responses to LWVBC questions, may also be found on the Brown County Democrat newspaper website: bcdemocrat.com/2020/09/30/2020-general-election-voter-guide.
But, what about …
Your vote counts! The myths about voter fraud are one way to suppress your vote. Don’t buy it! Voter fraud is so small it’s irrelevant, based on studies over decades and billions of votes! What’s more important is to make sure you follow voting instructions:
Go to YOUR voting location. Log in to see your polling place: IndianaVoters.com.
Don’t try to erase a mark you make on your ballot by accident. Get a new ballot.
Sign your absentee ballot envelope. Your signature should resemble the signature on your driver’s license or on the poll book. If election officials reject your signature, they must notify you and give you a chance to correct it within eight days of the election.
Election Protection Hotline
If you have any problems voting, help is available through the Election Protection Hotline! Keep this number with you: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). If you or someone you know is turned away or has trouble voting, call this number for assistance. The national, nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count.
Shari Frank is president of the League of Women Voters Brown County.
