| How to Register to Vote Online Posted: 13 Apr 2020 05:00 PM PDT Voting in a state or federal election allows your voice to be heard and lets you select the candidates that you support the most. If you're a United States citizen, meet your state's eligibility requirements, and are at least 18, you can register to vote in your state. While everyone can register by mail or in person, you may be able to register online if you live in the District of Columbia or one of the 39 states that allow it. Some states require you to register 30 days before Election Day, so make sure you meet the deadline! Warning: Many states are changing their voting and election rules in response to COVID-19. To see if your state's rules have changed, visit: https://www.vote.org/covid-19/. [Edit]Checking Your State's Registration Laws - Check your State Election Office website to see if you can register online. Currently, 39 states and the District of Columbia allow you to register to vote online. Find your State Election Office at https://www.usvotefoundation.org/vote/eoddomestic.htm or go to https://www.vote.org/ to see the rules for your state. If your state does not offer online registration, you will have to register in person or by mail before you're able to vote.[1]
- Confirm that you're eligible to vote in your state. In all states, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and meet your state's residency requirements. Find specific information for your state at https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-rules/.[2]
- If you are under the age of 18, you may be able to pre-register to vote if your state allows it. If you aren't yet 18 and your state does not have pre-registration, sign up at https://www.vote.org/pledge-to-register to receive a text reminder on your 18th birthday and a link to register to vote.
- Some states have additional requirements. For instance, you may not be eligible to vote if you've been convicted of a felony or committed by the sate. If you have a felony conviction, you can learn more about your voting rights at https://campaignlegal.org/restoreyourvote.
- Submit your application before your state's deadline for the next election. Some states require you to register as early as 1 month in advance of the election, so make sure you meet the deadline. Visit your State Election Office website or https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/ to find state-specific information.[3]
- Many states now allow you to register on Election Day, so even if you miss the deadline you may still be able to register and cast a ballot on Election Day or during early voting.
[Edit]Filling out the Registration Form - Visit your State Election Office website to find the electronic form. If your state offers online voter registration, you can find a link to your State Election Office website here: https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/electronic-or-online-voter-registration.aspx#Table%20of%20states%20w/ovr. Follow the instructions to complete the form.[4]
- If you've changed your name, moved to a new address, or want to change your party affiliation, you may be able to change your current registration record or request an absentee ballot through your State Election Office website. Check your state's site for specific instructions.
- Fill in your personal information in the appropriate boxes. Provide your full name, home address, and date of birth, and make sure you spell everything correctly. If you have a different mailing address, be sure to list it so you can receive any important voting information. The form may also ask you for an email address and phone number.[5]
- Look over the form for any boxes marked with asterisks (*) since that usually means they are required fields.
- Provide a state-issued ID to confirm your identity. Your state may require a valid state-issued ID, Social Security Number, or other identification documents to verify who you are. Enter your state-issued driver's license or identification number, if you have it, double-checking to make sure there aren't any errors.[6]
- The state government will check the information on your registration form compared to the records at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure they match.
- Some states allow online registration for potential voters who do not have a state-issued ID number.
- You do not need to provide an ID number or SSN in order to register to vote, if you do not have one. All states are required to accept the federal form to allow someone to register in federal elections, and with the federal form this is requested but not required.
- You do not have to upload or make copies of your ID.
- Select your political party preference if your state requires it. Look for a Party Preference section on the electronic form and read the instructions to figure out if you need to select one for your state. Select the party you affiliate with most, or if your state allows it and you would like to skip this step, choose the "No Party" option before moving on.[7]
- Some parties you can select may include Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, or Independent.
- Some states will not let you vote in primaries, caucuses, or conventions if you don't select a political party.
- Click the appropriate button to submit your information and registration. Read over your information to confirm you spelled everything correctly and that it's accurate. If you notice any mistakes, click on the Edit button and make your corrections, if applicable. Submit your application when you're finished to send the form to the Secretary of State's office where they'll review your info.[8]
- Typically, you will receive an email or letter regarding your registration within a few weeks.
- Check your registration status on your State Election Office website. Your state will review your form before accepting it, so submitting an online registration form does not automatically register you to vote. It may take a few days for your registration to be accepted. Visit your State Election Office site and follow the instructions to check your registration status. They may ask for your name, date of birth, ID number, or other identifying information to confirm your status.[9]
- You can also check your registration status at https://verify.vote.org/.
- Your state may send you a voter registration card in the mail to confirm your registration was processed.
- If there is an issue with your online voter registration or your information cannot be verified, you may be contacted by your State Election Office for more information.
- As of January 2020, 39 states and Washington DC allow you to register online before the election date.[10] The states that do not allow online registration are Arkansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
[Edit]Warnings - You cannot fill out ballots or cast votes online. You will still need to visit a polling location or request a mail-in ballot.[11]
- If your state doesn't have online registration or you missed the deadline, you either need to register by mail or in person.[12]
- In response to COVID-19, many states are changing their voting and election rules. To see if your state rules have changed, visit https://www.vote.org/covid-19/.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Bathroom Mat Posted: 13 Apr 2020 09:00 AM PDT Making your own bath mat is a fun, inexpensive way to add a new look to your bathroom. In addition, it's a great way to use up fabric that you might not need anymore, like old towels, sheets, or T-shirts. For instance, you can braid strips of fabric to make a coiled rug, or you can knot them to make a shaggy bath mat. However, you can also upcycle other items into rugs for a fun, eco-friendly option! [Edit]Braiding a Bathroom Mat - Cut 3 towels into strips about long, removing any trim. Choose 3 towels in colors that fit your bathroom decor. Measure across the short side of the towel, making marks every inches. Then, cut the towels into long strips using a pair of scissors or a rotary cutter and a mat.[1]
- Trim off the seams at the ends of the towels, along with any trim or decorative stitching.
- This project is a great way to use old towels that you don't want to throw away, but you can purchase new towels, if you'd like!
- Stack 3 strips of towels together and sew the ends together. If you're using multiple colors of towels, lay one strip of each color in a stack. Then, use a needle and thread to sew the tops of the strips together, leaving the other end free.[2]
- This will help hold the strips together as you're braiding them.
- Fold the end of the top strip in toward the center, then fold it in half. Take the top strip on the stack and fold it longways so both of the outside edges meet in the center of the strip. Then, fold the strip in half longways down the center.[3]
- This will keep the edges of the towel strips from unraveling as you braid them.
- Push pins through the strip every , then repeat for the other strips. After you fold the first strip, slide straight pins through the material so it doesn't unfold itself. Space them out about , and go down the entire length of the strip.[4]
- When you're finished, repeat this for the middle strip, then the bottom one.
- Braid the strips together, pressing them flat. Once you have each strip folded, begin braiding them loosely by crossing the left side over the middle, then the right side over the original left strip, which should now be in the middle. Press the strips with your hand as you braid to keep the braid as flat as possible, and keep braiding until you get about from the end of the fabric.[5]
- The braid should be secure, but not tight. If you pull the strips together too tightly, the fabric will bunch up into more of a rope shape, rather than laying flat. However, if you braid it too loosely, the fabric won't hold.
- Remove the pins from the braid as you work. Be very careful to remove all of the pins from the material. Otherwise, someone could be injured by stepping on a pin when the mat is finished.[6]
- Sew the ends of the next set of strips to the first set. Match up the strips color-to-color, then stitch the ends together with your needle and thread. That way, you'll be able to create one long braided rope for your rug.[7]
- Continue pinning, braiding, and sewing all of the strips. After you pin on the next set of strips, fold them, insert the pins, and braid them together in exactly the same way you did the first set. Sew on new strips and repeat the process until you've used them all.[8]
- Don't forget to take out the pins as you go!
- Coil up the braid and sew the coils together. Take the top end of your braid and start rolling it into a long circular coil, pressing it to ensure it lays as flat as possible. Keep wrapping the braid around itself in a snug spiral to create the shape of your round rug. Then, use your needle and thread to sew the edges of the coil together where they touch side-by-side, adding a stitch every or so.[9]
- The closer together the stitches, the more secure the rug will be.
- This can be a time-consuming process. However, when you're finished, you'll have an eco-friendly braided rug to enjoy!
[Edit]Knotting a Shabby-Chic Rug - Purchase a piece of gridded matting the size of your finished rug. Get a large piece of gridded matting, which may also be called rug canvas. Then, use a pair of scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the matting to the size you want your bath mat to be.[10]
- If you want to make a contour bath rug to go around your toilet, try cutting the rug base so there's a square dip in the center top.
- You can find gridded matting at many fabric stores, big-box stores, and online.
- Cut your fabric into strips long. Gather up a stack of old towels, T-shirts, bed sheets, or any other material. Use scissors to cut the material into pieces, then cut those pieces into strips about wide.[11]
- The amount of fabric you'll need will depend on the size and thickness of your finished rug. However, about 2 or 3 bath towels should be enough to make a thick rug that measures .[12]
- You can use any material you have on hand for this project, and as many different colors as you'd like. However, the rug will look best if you use all of one type of fabric, rather than mixing them.
- Tie a fabric strip through a corner hole in the rug base. Once you've cut all of your fabric strips, take one strip and slide it down into one of the corner holes in the gridded matting. Then, pull the same strip up through one of the adjacent holes, and tie the material into a double knot.[13]
- You should have two short pieces of fabric sticking up once you tie the knot. This is what will create the shabby-chic look when the rug is finished.
- Continue knotting fabric strips all along the rug. Work your way either vertically or horizontally along the gridded matting, tying knots with your fabric strips as you go. If you're using two or more colors, alternate them. Once you've covered the entire piece of matting, your new rug will be finished![14]
- Knot the fabric along every line in the mat for a shaggy, thick rug, or skip every other line of holes if you want to make a thinner mat.[15]
- This project is simple, but it can be time-consuming. However, the finished result is an adorable rug for a fraction of the cost of buying one new!
[Edit]Upcycling Items into a Rug - Sew strips of fabric together to make an easy, machine-washable mat. If you want a quick take on an upcycled DIY bath mat, try cutting old towels, sheets, or T-shirts into long strips. Then, sew the strips together side-by-side to make a super-simple rug that you can toss into the washing machine any time you need to. While this mat will be on the thinner side, it can be a fun, easy way to change up the look in your bathroom![16]
- Try mixing multiple colors and patterns for a fun, eclectic look!
- To make a T-shirt bath mat, try cutting out the logos from your favorite worn-out tees. Then, sew those together side-by-side!
- Cut water-resistant memory foam to size for a super-plush bath mat. To make a DIY memory foam bath mat, use an electric knife to cut the foam to size for use as a bath mat. The electric knife will help you get smooth, even cuts, and you'll love the way the foam feels under your feet when you get out of the shower![17]
- If you're concerned the rug won't stay in place, glue a piece of non-slip shelf backing to the bottom of the memory foam.
- If you use water-resistant foam, the mat should not become waterlogged. However, regular memory foam will likely absorb too much water to be useful as a bath rug.
- Turn wine corks into a unique rug for a natural look. Gather about 150-200 wine corks and cut them in half with a sharp knife. Then, brush white wood glue onto the cut side of each cork and lay it onto a piece of non-slip shelf liner. Work in sections and let each area dry fully before you move to the next one. When you're finished, trim away any excess liner from the edges of the mat.[18]
- It may be easier to cut the corks if you place them in boiling water first for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the corks carefully and cut them right away, then them let dry completely before you assemble the mat.[19]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Braiding a Bathroom Mat - 3 towels
- Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Ruler or tape measure
- Straight pins
- Needle and thread
[Edit]Knotting a Shabby-Chic Rug - Gridded matting
- Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Fabric (e.g. 2-3 old towels)
[Edit]References |
| How to Protect Clothes from Moisture Posted: 13 Apr 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you've had run-ins with mildew or damp clothes, you're definitely not alone. While unwanted moisture can seem unavoidable in your wardrobe and garments, there are few ways you can protect your clothing from developing pesky mold. If you're looking for a short-term solution, try using a cleaning product designed to repel or absorb moisture, like charcoal or silica gel. If your clothes have already succumbed to mold or mildew, there's no need to panic—with a few household cleaners, you can sanitize and restore your garments in no time! [Edit]Trying Quick Fixes - Spritz your clothes with a water repellent spray. Search in a home improvement or department store for a water repellent spray product. While commonly used by campers and hikers, you can also use this product to give your clothing a protective, moisture-resistant layer. Spray it all over the outside of your clothes before storing them in your wardrobe, and you may see positive results.[1]
- A lot of these sprays are made with silicone. If you have an allergy, this product might not be a good option for you.
- Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Shop online for a small collection of silica gel packets, which naturally soak up moisture wherever they're placed. While they aren't a foolproof solution, place these packets in the pockets and hoods of your garments to soak up moisture and prevent your clothes from becoming moldy.[2]
- If you can't find these packets online, look in a store that sells industrial supplies.
- A local school may have silica gel packets on hand.
- Store a tin of charcoal in your closet to absorb moisture. Fill a large container or coffee can with plain charcoal briquettes that aren't designed for grilling. Secure the lid on the coffee can or other container, then poke the top a few times. Keep this can in your closet to soak up moisture and keep your clothes dry![3]
- You can buy natural charcoal online or in a home improvement store.
- Charcoal can work as an impromptu dehumidifier.
- Charcoal naturally soaks up moisture, which makes it a quick and easy solution for your closet.
- Set up a fan in your closet if your clothing looks or feels moist. Find a wall outlet near your wardrobe and plug a box fan in. Situate the fan so it's pointed at the front of the wardrobe. If you suspect that your wardrobe is overly humid, turn the fan on to a low setting and let it air out the area.[4]
- You can also open a window to air out your wardrobe.
- If only a few clothing items look damp, this might not be necessary.
- Keep your closet door open even when you're not in the room. Get in the habit of keeping your wardrobe open, regardless of the time of year. If you're going on vacation or heading out for the weekend, leave your wardrobe open so it can air out while you're away.[5]
[Edit]Monitoring and Adjusting the Wardrobe - Keep your wardrobe at a consistent, cool temperature. Check your thermostat to make sure that the temperature isn't spiking and dropping constantly. [6] Try to keep your wardrobe temperature beneath so your clothing can stay as fresh as possible.[7]
- If the temperature changes a lot, your clothes might lower in quality overall.
- Hang a low-wattage bulb in the closet to provide extra heat to the area. Visit a hardware or department store to find a small, 60- to 100-watt lightbulb. If your home's wiring permits, install the bulb from the ceiling of your wardrobe. Keep this light turned on as often as you can, as it can warm your clothes.[8]
- This works best in smaller closets and wardrobes.
- Install a dehumidifier in your wardrobe. Check online or visit a home goods store to find up a dehumidifier that best fits the needs of your home. If your home and wardrobe feels humid constantly, use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry and balanced.[9]
- If you don't have a dehumidifier, you can also use an air conditioner to keep the air cool and dry.
- Install plastic-coated shelves in your closet so moisture doesn't build up. Look in your local hardware or home improvement store for closet shelving kits. Specifically, search for shelving that's coated with plastic, which prevents moisture from building up in your closet and around your clothes. Use the instructions to install the shelving, or hire a professional for help.[10]
- Scrub away any mold in your closet with detergent. Remove everything from your closet if you notice any mold or spores in the area. At this point, pour a spoonful of all-purpose detergent or soap into a basin of warm water, then dip a sponge into the mixture. Wipe down any moldy sections of your closet to sanitize them and wait an hour or so for your wardrobe to air-dry.[11]
- Don't put anything back into your closet until the area is dry and no longer smells musty or moldy.
- If you're dealing with a lot of spores, mix of bleach with of water and use that cleaning solution to clean off the surface.
[Edit]Taking Sanitary Steps When Handling Your Clothes - Check that your clothes are clean and dry before you hang them up. If your garments still feel wet or damp to the touch, hang them up in an open area so they can air-dry. If you find dirty clothing in your wardrobe, be sure to set it aside so you can wash it.[12]
- Rearrange your clothes so they aren't packed tightly together. Moisture and mildew go hand in hand, especially when your clothes are packed like sardines. Remove any off-season clothes from your closet, and store your fancier garments in perforated bags, which gives them room to breathe.[13]
- Clean your clothes with borax to get rid of any mold. Use a small, handheld vacuum to suck up any mold spores from your clothing. Mix 1 cup (204 g) of borax into of water, then rub the cleaner onto your affected clothing with a bristled brush. Blot away any excess liquid, then let your garment air-dry completely.[14]
- Always check the care labels before cleaning your clothes at home.
- Sanitize your clothing naturally with white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz down any affected clothing. Set a timer for 1 hour to let the vinegar soak into the fabric, then dab at your clothes with a water-soaked rag. Once the vinegar is completely cleaned out of the material, let your clothing air-dry for a few hours.[15]
- Distilled white vinegar is the best product to use for this.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't store your clothes in a hot area that's over .[16]
- Moth balls aren't a great option, as they're full of harsh chemicals.[17]
- Plastic bins can be a great alternative if you're running low on closet space. If the container isn't perforated, throw in some desiccant packets to keep your clothes fresh and dry.[18]
- Use a hygrometer to see how humid your wardrobe is.[19]
- Search your closet for any water leaks. If you spot any, be sure to get them repaired by a plumber or other professional.
- Try to clean out your closet on a regular basis to prevent mold growth.[20]
- Your air conditioner can help provide a cool, dry environment for your clothes.[21]
- Fill a long sock with a scoop of cat litter, then tie the end into a knot. Include this sock whenever you store winter, summer, and other seasonal items, as it will keep your clothes from smelling bad over time.[22]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Trying Quick Fixes - Water-repellent spray
- Silica gel packets
- Charcoal briquettes (not soaked in lighter fluid)
- Box fan
[Edit]Monitoring and Adjusting the Wardrobe - Dehumidifier
- Low-wattage light bulb
- Plastic-coated shelving
- Detergent
- Water
- Bucket or basin
- Sponge
[Edit]Taking Sanitary Steps When Handling Your Clothes - Borax
- Handheld vacuum
- White vinegar
[Edit]References |
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