Media across the U.S. has been engulfed by politics and the 2020 election. Politics affect everything, from the rules and regulations we work under to the freedom and rights some take for granted.
Whether we like it or not, politics affects us daily and is a large part of our lives, more than we may like to admit. It’s never too early to think about the future of the U.S. Voting in the upcoming election, therefore, it should be on our radar.
We know, it is early September, and all things considered, it may be the least of some people’s worries. But as adults, voting is one of our civic duties.
The 2020 election, along with the rest of this year, is a historic event. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we function as a society and do daily tasks. We al rea dy know that. Many votes will be sent in via mail rather than familiar, in-person polling places.
Although it is two months ahead of the election, we should start thinking about voting now.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Idaho allows voters to send ballots in by mail. Patrons can vote in-person or request a mail-in ballot application by Oct. 23. Absentee ballots for those living out-of-state should be requested early.
The following are registration deadlines for neighboring states, for students filling out absentee ballots for their home states: Oct. 13 for Oregon, Oct. 19 for Wyoming and California, Oct. 23 for Utah, Oct. 25 for Washington and Oct. 26 for Colorado and Montana.
Idaho voters must register or update their address or name before Oct. 9. Those who do not do so must register or re-register during the early voting period or on Election Day. The Latah County Auditor’s office is located in 522 S Adams Street, Room 101 and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voting is available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday Oct. 13-30 and two Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24, at the courthouse.
Voters can attend in-person voting locations 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at one of three locations: the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center (SRC), the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center and the Latah County Fairgrounds. The SRC will serve voters in precincts 1, 8, 16 and 18. The recreation center will serve voters in precincts 2, 3, 4, 17 and Viola precinct 30. The fairgrounds will serve voters in all remaining precincts.
According to a Moscow-Pullman Daily News article, face masks and social distancing are required at all in-person voting locations. Those who opt for mail-in ballots can either send their ballots through the mail or drop their ballots in ballot drop box in the courthouse parking lot.
We won’t tell you who to vote for, we’re just asking our fellow students stay active. We have the opportunity to change long-lasting policies and the immediate future of our country. We should do so.
-Editorial Board
This editorial has been updated to provide more detailed information about how to vote in Latah County.
Louis L TOWNSEND
Thinking about Annie Lampman's book and about voting in November. I am an 83-year-old Argonaut reporter who felt in 1960 it was time to vote for a new mascot name, and it is still time to vote out the moniker "Vandal." There is nothing powerful or inspiring about vandals who spray paint and cause public damage. We need a new name, such as Vanguards, Ramrods, Ventures, Victors, even Skirmishers. I've heard other suggestions. It is never too late to get rid of an offensive name.