Let's Talk About Voting

In Wisconsin, the mailing of absentee ballots is currently delayed, as Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, and “candidate” Kanye West fight to get on the ballot, after both missed the requirements to do so in the first place.

Meanwhile, USPS is being defunded and the integrity of our election is at risk.

If this is disturbing you as much as it is disturbing me, here are some things you can do and some ways to get involved.

Organizations and Ways to Get Involved

I am a Voter is a nonpartisan movement that aims to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement by unifying around a central truth: our democracy works best when we all participate. Here, you can register to vote; check your election status; and sign up for election reminders.

The Most Important Mail You'll Send: A Ballot. An excellent, concise summary from NPR on what to know about voting by mail.

Note: please research what's happening in your state. While this provides a good high level summary about what to know about voting by mail, it does not go into the level of nuance and complication that we are seeing in many states right now. (Florida and Wisconsin being two of them). Depending on what is happening in your state, voting by mail may or may not feel like the best option.

Postcards through Moms Rising. While it doesn't appear that there is still an option to send postcards (due to much higher response than expected to write postcards- which is great news) it is still possible to support the initiative through a contribution that goes to education.

Postcards to Voters. Another opportunity to get involved by writing postcards; quick and easy to start the process.

Erin of Reading My Tea Leaves has created an excellent series of Election Checklists on her blog, each of which contains fantastic information, resources, and links. If you filter her posts by “nonprofits," you can see the full series to date.

Wisconsin Voters Voting Guide. Helpful information on voting; ways to get involved; and important events and dates for Wisconsin. While this information is being offered by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, much of it applies to voting and democracy in general.

Things You Can Do

Shop consciously. Make sure that you aren’t accidentally supporting politicians or policies that you don’t agree with through your purchasing choices. Download and use the Goods Unite Us app to see how and where your favorite companies are donating. (warning: you may be surprised.)

Have a(n outdoor, distanced) postcard writing party. Get some friends or neighbors together and do some writing.

Consider volunteering at the polls. This year, many veteran poll workers will not be able to volunteer, and there is a need for younger citizens to into this role. If you feel safe doing so, volunteering at the polls is a great way to help to ensure the integrity of our election. You can research what this could look like in your state, and read more here. For those in Wisconsin, you can learn more and sign up here.

Think about how you plan to vote and your comfort level with the various options. How do you feel about in-person voting in the era of COVID? How do you feel about mail-in ballots in the era of USPS defunding? Think through your strategy and craft a plan.

In Closing

Create a plan, consider getting involved, and make sure your voice is heard and your vote will be counted. Volunteer if you can. Aung San Suu Kyi said, “democracy is when the people keep a government in check.” Let’s do our best to do so.