We get it, and you’re not alone. One of the main reasons folks don’t complete their ballot is because they often feel like they don’t have enough information about the candidates. However, because the stakes in these races are so high, it’s important to take the time to do some research.

We get it, but you don’t have to do this alone. One of the best ways you can help yourself and others is by getting together with your friends and neighbors to research and discuss your ballots together. It’s a good way to feel like you are in this with others and ensure that those closest to you are actively participating in making our community a better, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone. Consider hosting a ballot party where you and your friends can vote, or create a voting plan, together!

A voting plan is a way to help you figure out what research you want to do to become a more informed voter and ensure that your ballot is properly submitted and counted. Here are some steps to get you started:

Check your voter registration to make sure everything is up to date.

If you aren’t registered, you can easily do it online here. (If you missed the registration deadline, you can sign-up for same-day voter registration at any county elections office, polling place, or vote center.)

Make sure you know what deadlines are coming up to cast your ballot.

If you want to vote at home, be sure you registered to vote before the deadline; LA County sends all registered voters a mail-in ballot ahead of each election.

If you vote at home, all you have to do is make sure your ballot gets mailed back by Election Day, November 5. As long as the county receives your ballot within seven days of the election, it will be counted. You can track your ballot online to make sure it was counted.

You can also return your ballot to any vote center in LA County. You may also deposit your ballot at any one of the county’s ballot drop boxes.

Research the candidates using some of the available resources, and share those resources with your friends and family.

Talk to your loved ones. If you’re a teacher, talk to other community members, neighbors, and others about what they’re thinking and feeling about school board races.

Share your voting plans and information with your friends and family. Drop them a calendar invite so you can all vote together in person.

Your vote could make the difference between four years of book bans, attacks on LGBTQ+ youth, and manipulation of lesson plans to ignore history and a school district that creates a safe and secure learning environment for all students.