Americans don’t consider voting a responsibility, but it is. We need to raise the percentage of registered voters who actually vote and we need to vote in EVERY election in which we are eligible: local, state and federal. Voting is the most powerful tool we have, so let’s use it.
1. Register to vote. If you are already registered, make sure that registration is up to date. Some states have been purging voter rolls, so you may not be registered even if you were in the past.
2. Vote early. It’s much easier to vote early than to stand in long lines on election day. If it’s available to you, use a mail in ballot, an early ballot or an absentee ballot. Encourage others to vote early as well. There may be special rules attached to these kinds of ballots. Make sure you follow the directions to the letter.
3. Know your polling place. Make sure the address hasn’t changed. Then share that information with your friends and neighbors.
4. Register voters. Get certified to register voters yourself. It’s a very easy process and should be free. Find friends who will also do this. Then go register voters at high schools, colleges, nursing homes, community centers, grocery stores, door to door and at every public event and holiday activity.
5. Bring proper Documentation. Some states require special documentation in order to receive a ballot. Be sure you and everyone you know understands what type of identification and other documents are needed. You don’t want to be turned away.
6. Protect voters. A few polling places may use intimidation tactics. Arrange to go with people who want to vote. Encourage folks to go in groups. Rent a bus if you have to, but get those voters to the polls.
7. Make it easy. Bring folding chairs for the sick or elderly who may have to wait in long lines. Offer to baby sit or create a children’s activity so parents can vote. Volunteer to work over your lunch hour so coworkers can vote.
8. Support voting rights. We can raise the number of registered voters who actually vote. We can enable first time voters. And we can help those whose registrations have expired to regain their essential right to vote. The best way to keep the right to vote is to use it.
This is how we do it.
CrAzY WoMaN! 