Hey guys, we're 3 days out from the election, and it's time
to make a plan. There's a lot more going on than just the presidential
race, and it's important to know the offices and candidates ahead of
time. It's also important to know where your poling place is and when
you can vote.
To find your poling place, go to this handy tool
and enter the address where you're registered to vote. It will give you
the address of your polling station. Click "Map it" if you don't
recognize the location.
Think about when you can vote! The polls are open from 7am until 8pm. What hours are you working or busy that day? Your employer is required
to give you 2 hours off to vote, IF you request it. (They do not have
to pay you for these hours, however). Remember, there may be lines at
the polls, so don't plan to arrive at 7:50pm, or right before you're due
to start work.
Who are you voting for for state senator in your district? How about sheriff? There are a number of offices on that ballot that you may not
be aware of. To find a list of all the state-wide offices and candidates, as well
as the ballot questions, click "My State Ballot" on the page from above where you
got your polling location.
I strongly encourage
you to write down your preferred candidates on this handy form and take it into the polls with you.
I found I didn't know what all of the offices were, so here's a quick explanation:
ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT: President and Vice
President of the US are elected, not by popular vote, but by the Electoral College. The names of the candidates appear on the ballot, but
what you're actually voting for is the electors pledged to vote for
those candidates in the Electoral College. These electors were chosen by
the parties.
SENATOR IN CONGRESS: MA (like all states) is allotted two Senators
in the US Senate, who serve 6-year terms. Only one of them, Scott Brown,
is up for re-election this year. John Kerry, MA's other Senator, will
be up for election in 2014.
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS: MA is allotted 9 Congressmen in the US
House of Representatives, who serve 2-year terms. This allotment is
based on the state's population.The state is split into 9 geographical districts.
Your choices for Representative are based on the district in which
you're registered to vote.
COUNCILLOR: The MA Governor's Council is an 8-person body that
advises and provides (or withholds) consent to the Governor on issues
including judicial nominations, pardons, and other issues.
SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT: The MA General Court is the state legislature.
There are 40 State Senators, elected by district for 2-year terms
REPRESENTATIVE
IN GENERAL COURT: The MA General Court is the state legislature. There
are 160 representatives, elected by district for 2-year terms.
CLERK OF COURTS: Administrator of the Middlesex Superior Court, 6-year term
REGISTER OF DEEDS: Maintains the records of land ownership. Middlesex County has two who serve 6-year terms.
SHERIFF: Head of the Sheriff's Department, a law enforcement body with duties distinct from those of local police
