- Grayson Hoffman
So You Wanna Be a Voter? A Voting Resource Guide
Updated: Sep 16, 2020
The general election is rapidly approaching. As of today, we are only 54 days away from the most important election of our lives. Less than two months until Tuesday, November 3rd. There is even less time until some Americans can start casting votes by mail or by early voting.
As Michelle Obama told us at the Democratic National Convention last month, “we’ve got to vote early, in person if we can. We’ve got to request our mail-in ballots right now, tonight, and send them back immediately and follow-up to make sure they’re received. And then, make sure our friends and families do the same” (1).
It’s coming quickly and there is a lot to know so I am here to offer up as many resources as possible in one short article. This way you can know what you need to know and where to find out more information. You can also share with any friends, family, colleagues and/or acquaintances!
Here are links, organizations, and action items to help you navigate the rest of the election cycle and make sure you don’t feel like you had more to give come November 4, 2020.
Important Links
Voter Registration
See if you are registered to vote in your state
Check the deadline to register to vote in your state
In-Person & Early Voting
Locate your polling place if you are going to vote in-person with a mask
See if you state has early voting & when it starts and closes
Vote-by-Mail (also known as Absentee Voting)
Read about how your state is handling voting during COVID-19
Request your absentee ballot in your state
Check the deadlines to request an absentee ballot in your state
Helpful Organizations to Follow
These are amazing organizations that consistently put out crucial information and helpful infographics all about voting. They also share more ways to get involved!
When We All Vote + its Instagram
I am a voter + its Instagram
Rock the Vote + its Instagram
Let America Vote + its Instagram
Fair Fight + its Instagram
If you promised yourself that you were going to get involved and make sure Donald Trump did not get reelected at any moment between 2016 and today, NOW IS THE TIME! You can still make your voice heard and help amplify others’ voices as well. We have to get out the vote in huge numbers so we can elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, keep the House, and flip the Senate! It can be done, but everyone needs to help in these final days.
Ways to Volunteer/Help Your Favorite Campaign
Phonebank
A super easy way to reach fellow citizens and talk to them about a candidate or voting
You can call into your own state or a swing state that speaks to you
Every state’s Democratic party has virtual phone banks and training events so you can do this from your very own couch
Even if you commit to calling one day a week into one state leading up to the election, that is a HUGE help - particularly in the swing states
Mobilize is the Deomcatic database for events like this
- You can either google directly or search in Mobilize to get signed up
Textbank
If you don’t feel comfortable calling people, there are textbanks every day too
There is a very comprehensive training for Victory 2020 textbanking
You don’t have to commit to a specific shift, you can just jump on the site and send texts when you have time
Donate
If you google the candidate you want to donate to and go to their campaign website or the Secure - ActBlue link, those are safe ways to donate directly!
Be a Poll Worker
There is a huge shortage of poll workers this year because of COVID-19 (2)
If you feel able and willing to work on Election Day, sign up to be a poll worker and help your community exercise right to vote
Ways to Spread the Word
Reach out to your family and friends and make sure they are:
Registered to vote
Make a voting plan
Serve as a resource for others about this information
Post on social media about reliable voting information
Learn about your voting rights
Sign yourself and others up for election reminders so you don’t miss a thing
Put out a yard sign, place a bumper sticker on your vehicle, wear a vote mask, etc.
Here is the Joe Biden Store
You can also order from the website of your favorite Congressional candidates
Buying merchandise also serves as a donation to the campaign
Let’s get to it! We need everyone to get involved so we can resurrect our democracy and change this nation for the better. If you need some help figuring out who to volunteer for or donate to in your state, check out the incredible women running across the country on Women to Win.
Sources
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