BY ANISHA SARIPALLI

Voting can be quite confusing, especially the first time. So, if you register to vote before October 9th, here is your guide to ensure that you make the most of this election season.

1. Research your Candidates: Many candidates have ads on TV to persuade voters in their favor, but often these ads are biased and don’t reveal their platform or what previous campaign promises they’ve upheld. It is best to do your own research on who your candidates are. If you are registered to vote in Gainesville, here are some of your options:

a. U.S Senate-

Bill Nelson (D)

Rick Scott (R)

b. U.S House-

Ted Yoho (R)

Yvonne Hayes Hinson (D)

c. Governor-

Andrew Gillum (D)

Ron DeSantis (R)

d. FL Senate-

Keith Perry (R)

Kayser Enneking (D)

Charles Goston (I)

e. FL House District 20-

(incumbent ran unopposed)

f. FL House District 21-

Chuck Clemons, Sr (R)

Lois Frankel (D)

2. Early Voting: For students looking to register to vote in Gainesville and would like to

vote before November 6th, there is now an option to do so. Starting October 22, the Reitz Union will be the early voting site. Remember that early voting ends on November 3rd.

3. Absentee Ballots: For students registered to vote outside of Gainesville, absentee ballots are available. The mail-in ballot must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 pm on Election Day. If you decide that you are going to vote in person and already received an absentee ballot, you must bring it with you when you go to the polls.

4. Voting on Election Day: For students registered to vote in Gainesville, you may do so at the Reitz Union if you are registered in precinct 31. If you are registered in precinct 44, you can vote at the Phillips Center. Don’t forget to bring a valid photo I.D. issued by the

government with you when you vote. Even though Florida is a non-strict non-photo ID state, the only way to guarantee that your vote is counted is with a driver’s license or U.S passport. DO NOT just bring your Gator1 because it does not have your address or signature on it.