With the 2024 Presidential Election fast approaching on Nov. 5, it’s important that Fresno State students know how to exercise their right to vote. For many, this will be the first time they can vote in a presidential election, and with that comes the questions of when, where and how to vote.

Here’s a quick rundown of the basics of voting and voter registration:

Getting Registered:

• Voters can register online at the California Online Voter Registration website. All that is needed to complete the online form is a
• California driver license or California ID number and a social security card.
• In-person registration can be done at various locations, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and post offices.
• Fresno State offers same-day registration during the week of the election at the Save Mart Center.
• More registration offices can be located through the California Early Voting website.
• The last day to register to vote will always be 15 days before Election Day, which is Oct. 21 this year.

Where to Vote:

• Votes can be cast on Election Day or during early voting periods at designated locations. Polling centers typically include schools, churches, libraries and other locations.
• The closest voting center for Fresno State students will be the Save Mart Center.
• Mail-in ballots can also be requested and returned by mail, in person or a drop box.
• If it is returned in person or through a drop box, it must be delivered no later than the close of polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• If it is returned by mail, it must be postmarked before or on Election Day and received by the local election office no later than seven days after Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

The only thing more important than registering to vote, is to know what policies that vote is going toward. The presidential candidates for this election are Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee former President Donald Trump.

This is a brief overview of where both candidates stand on some of the country’s most pressing issues:

Abortion

• Trump: Trump has openly taken credit for the reversal of Roe V. Wade in 2022. According to CBS News, Trump has expressed that he believes abortion policies should be dictated by individual states, rather than a federal mandate. Despite many assuming he is against abortion entirely, Trump has made it clear he would not sign a national ban.
• Harris: Harris has made it clear that she plans on restoring abortion rights at the federal level with protections that would replicate that of Roe V. Wade. Harris is against the idea of state level abortion bans and wants to ensure legal access to abortion pills.

Immigration

• Trump: Trump has been very clear in his immigration plans, pledging to carry out the “largest mass deportation in U.S. history” according to The Associated Press. Trump plans to end birthright citizenship for those who are born in the United States but whose parents are here illegally.
• Harris: Harris wants to focus on border security by introducing smuggling precautions and strengthening enforcement measures. According to her own campaign website, Harris plans to increase the amount of legal pathways migrants can take to attain citizenship.

Economy

• Trump: Trump has expressed plans to impose higher tariffs on imported goods, particularly those from China, according to The Washington Post. The former president also plans on lowering corporate tax rates to 15% and eliminating social security taxes entirely.
• Harris: Harris intends to increase tax rates on the top 5% of earners, while simultaneously increasing the tax benefits available for the bottom 95%. She has shared her interest in banning price gouging and implementing a federal ban to regulate rent prices, but that does present risks of disincentivizing investment.