1. Why Vote? And How? Prepared by Catherine Hedge
League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County

2. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
(We are the Suffragettes!)

3. What are your burning questions about voting? (2 minutes)

4. So…Does it matter if I vote?

5. “…that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth”
Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

6. One State, One County, One Judge decides a presidency…
537 votes separated Bush and Gore in Florida out of 6 million votes cast in the state.
So who would get the electoral votes?
The Supreme Court decides in a 5-4 vote.
George W. Bush becomes the president
How about in Kansas in 2018? Candidate Colyer or Kobach?
So…does my vote count?

7. Imagine….
Here is the person who is most opposite you…
The one who disagrees with everything you are and everything you believe.
This individual’s idea of the path our community, state, and country should follow is diametrically opposed to your view.
If this person votes and you don’t…what will your future be?

8. Source: Factfinder, Census.gov

9. So… How do you register to vote?

10. Getting Registered You do not need to prove citizenship or send in a birth certificate, but must be a citizen to vote. Check to see if you are already registered at or or (You can see a sample ballot here!) If you are not registered or have moved or changed your name since you last registered, you need to register again. (You can only be registered at one place and must vote in that precinct (the place designated for your specific address.)

11. There are many places to register
There are many places to register. You can register on-line or with a paper form. (Which I have here.) Register at or or You can also register at your county clerk’s office and at the DMV. (See the Riley County website for physical sites. At least 2 weeks before the election, check on-line to make sure you are REALLY registered! (You will get a card notifying you when your registration is complete and telling you where to vote. You can’t vote just anywhere!) If you aren’t listed as registered, check with the county clerk! They must have the information before you can vote. You may vote early (Advance ballot) at the County Courthouse. You may also request an absentee ballot if you will be gone on election day. Specific dates apply. Find out more at

12. Who is running in my area
Who is running in my area? Find your ballot by your address at: Also available at Vote411.org and through your county clerk’s website.

13. So…now which candidate do I choose
So…now which candidate do I choose? Check out Vote 411 for local candidate answers. For many other questions you might have, check out: (Lists groups and good sources of info.) (presidential preference quiz is excellent!) (great advice on how to get a broad perspective and trusted sources) Stay informed…stay active…vote to change your world!

14. Steps in my polling place…
Bring your picture ID!!
Leave your cell phone in your car.
People are there to help you!
State and sign your name in the book and show your ID. (If you are NOT listed, you may request a “provisional ballot” that MAY count! Are you at the right place?)
You will be escorted to a booth. (You may also request a paper ballot!) oterView/Home.do

15. A poll worker will put a recording device in your machine.
You will see a screen where you will touch for the candidate you want. Change by touching the other candidate. (You may also ask for a paper ballot!!)
Vote for your candidates. Your ballot is still valid if you do not vote for an office, though the machine will tell you if you left some blank.
Review your votes and push submit.
You are done! Get your sticker!!

17. Find us at: www.lwvmrc.org Email: lwv.manhattanks@gmail.com
League of Women Voters, Manhattan/Riley County
P.O. Box 835 Manhattan, Ks 66505
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