“sUper votER”
​
BY cindy thomas
electoral registrer

Dear me in my 20s and 30s, and regrettably often in my 40s – why didn’t I vote? Did I not know then like I do now how painfully important and necessary it is to vote? Did I not care or worse, did I think it did not matter if I voted? Or was I too busy, too lazy or too indifferent relying on excuses not to vote? Don’t get me wrong, I voted here and there especially during presidential elections but rarely in local elections. My younger self never came close to being a ‘super-voter’ (those proud and honorable citizens who never miss an election). Well, no more excuses. I am a super voter now.

So why didn’t I vote in those early years? When I look back honestly to my younger self I know the true answer – I was nervous about voting. I found it intimidating. Frankly, I did not know how to vote. I was never taught, never learned in school, I was unsure. And that uneasiness allowed me to make excuses, justify my indifference, minimize the importance of voting and rationalize my lack of voting. It was small things like not knowing where my voter card was. Did I need a voter card? Was I registered? What’s a precinct or district? Who is running for what and when? Well, no more fear. I am a voter registrar now.

Over the years, I have hosted numerous voter information/registration tables, registered 100s and answered a 1,000 voter questions and I have two key take away. Most people find voting a little uncomfortable, confusing or intimidating. But they also believe voting is exciting, important and a personal responsibility. The other key take away – there are people we all know who will not vote, but with a bit of help and encouragement will! I wish I had someone when I was in my 20s, 30s and beyond reach out to help and encourage me to vote.

Here are 10 voting myths I have learned, and I hope it helps:

1. I need my voter card to vote:
No, just bring photo identification.
2. I am out of state and missed absentee voting:
Generally not, you can apply for an electronic ballot.
3. I went to DMV, but never got my voter card, so I am not registered:
No, 99% you are registered.
4. I moved or changed my name, I can’t vote:
No, update your voter info or vote a question ballot.
5. I can’t find my polling place, I can’t vote:
No, vote at any polling place by question ballot.
6. I don’t have time to vote:
Vote electronically, go to early voting site, vote from home by absentee.
7. I was registered, never voted, I must not be registered anymore:
No, 99% you are still registered.
8. I never got a voter card so I must not be registered:
No, 99% you are registered.
9. I never registered so I can’t vote:
No, if you got the PFD, you are registered automatically.
10. My vote does not matter:
YES it does, often elections come down to just a few votes.

If you have voter questions please call the State Election Office at (907)522-8683 or visit www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/AKvoterinformation.php.  
Cindy Thomas was born in Anchorage and has deep historical roots in the state with Alaska Native heritage. Now enjoying early retirement from a long and diverse career as an attorney, engineer, and manager she spends time bird watching, traveling, gardening, and being a grassroots community volunteer.