The election doesn’t start tomorrow, it ends tomorrow.
If you haven’t already, please make sure you are registered to vote and know where your polling place is (vote.org is a great and easy way to get that information). Additionally, please make sure you have a way to get to your polling place. Uber and Lyft often give free or discounted rides to the polls, and this year the car rental company, Hertz, is allowing free one-day rentals to get to the polls. More information on that here.
EDIT: NAACP has a discount code to use for Lyft, valid for two rides up to $20 ($40 total). Use code: NAACPVOTE24
The following states allow same day registration for general elections, ie: the presidential election:
Note: North Dakota does not require formal voter registration, and upon presenting valid identification at a polling place, eligible citizens receive their ballot to vote.
The following states are required by law to give you time off to vote (between one and three hours):
*Most states requiring employers to permit voting leave also require that this time is paid. Among the above, the following do not: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Dakota. (info here)
Again, it is your right to vote. If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. It is your legal right to vote.
If you are turned away at the polls, say the following verbatim: “Give me a provisional ballot with a receipt as required by law.”
If you make a mistake on your ballot, you have the right to ask for a new ballot. Don’t cross anything out, simply ask for a new one.
Poll workers are required to make reasonable accommodations for voters who need, including ballots in other languages or translators.
Canvassing is not allowed at polling places, and no one is allowed to threaten or intimidate voters. You have the right to report anything of the like.
Don’t wear political merch to the polls.
Don’t engage with anyone about your politics at the polls.
Don’t take phone calls inside your polling place — it can wait, please be respectful.
Research who is running locally and see what their policies are. Additionally, research any local propositions that may be on the ballot. The language on ballots is made to be purposefully confusing, so make sure you read everything carefully in addition to your research.
If you’re able to get up early on Election Day, go right when your polling place opens to beat the line.
REMEMBER: IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!
Here are a list of state-by-state voter protection hotlines, as well as hotlines in various other languages:
Please vote tomorrow if you have not already. It’s so important, and choosing not to vote or voting for a third party is a vote for extremist measures. Vote down the ballot, and do not let anyone bully you into voting one certain way.
What we are seeing throughout this election cycle (and the last two election cycles) is entirely abnormal. The bullying we see from a certain side and its supporters is childish and dangerous. They spew false information, make racist remarks, and sexualize and discriminate fellow candidates. No single presidential candidate is completely and wholly good, so criticize accordingly.
Vote with those you love in mind, vote with your safety in mind, and vote for those who will be affected for decades to come. Vote for someone who speaks coherently, not for someone who is, let’s be honest, not cognitively alright — and that is the bare minimum of the issue.
If you have anything to add to this post, please do. If anything is incorrect, please let me know and I will gladly change it.
