But I don't live in a swing state?!
every 4 years I see people talking about how they live in a red state (or more rarely a blue state) so their vote doesn't matter and I just want to briefly point out that I think nearly every state is either a swing state for the Presidential election, having a key Senate Race that will decide control of the Senate, has one or more key House races that'll decide control of the House, or is having an important Governor's race that'll could flip control of the state
Presidential Swing states:
Arizona
Georgia
Michigan
Nevada
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Key Senate Races:
Arizona
Florida
Maryland
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Wisconsin
States With Key House Races:
Alabama
Alaska
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Swingable Governor Races:
New Hampshire
North Carolina
there are lots of local and state level races that are very important to, but my point was basically odds are very very good, you live somewhere where your vote will help decide what America looks like in 2025. Don't get tricked into thinking just because your state isn't one of the ones always mentioned in the news as a swing state that it doesn't matter what you do
And even if your state is not in any of those lists, and there is really and truly not a chance that it will go blue in any way in this election at any level, your vote still matters! Leaving aside local races (and your school board, sheriff, police chief, county commissioner, mayor, and other local offices have a huge impact on your community), your vote will change things in the 2026 and 2028 elections.
A district where the Democrat gets only 30% of the vote is very different from a district where the Democrat gets only 40% of the vote. In both cases they lose (unless the conservative votes are split). But! If the Democrat gets 30% of the vote, the Republicans know that next election cycle that district is safe. They don't need to put much money or effort in getting their guy elected, they could put up an inanimate object and it would probably win the race. So they can take all their money and put it into races that are competitive. Races that could go either way.
But if the Democrat gets 40% of the vote, that changes the calculus. Maybe it's still a safe district! ... but maybe it's trending purple-to-blue. If they want to keep it safe, they gotta pour resources into it. Which means they have fewer resources to spend on the swing states, which means that Democrats elsewhere have a greater chance of being re-elected.
Also, consider it from the Democrat perspective. If the Democrat gets 30% of the vote, they're not going to support the next candidate very well. They're going to use their resources elsewhere, and the chances of your district flipping or getting competitive are vanishingly small.
But if the Democrat gets 40% of the vote, then it's worth it to pay more attention to the local races, see if they can influence things and build up a voting base and flip the district.
Politics is a long game. You're not just voting to get someone elected this term. You're also voting to try and set things up so that things are possible further on down the line.
There's always going to be a next election (unless fascism wins). It's a tournament or a season of play, not a single game. Even if you don't win this time, you can set things up to put you in a better position next time.
Also, don't forget about ballot initiatives!
Missouri might be in a blood-red Republican headlock when it comes to office holders, but a constitutional amendment to restore abortion rights is on the ballot, too.
Florida also has an abortion access initiative, and in addition, you've got Amendment 3 up, which will legalize marijuana use and possession.
Ohio has a chance to change the way legislative districts are drawn, hitting back at gerrymandering.
Voting directly on issues is the purest expression of democracy, and one way even people in heavily suppressed states can get good policies around their shitty legislatures.
Also the "I didn't vote group" is the largest voting group by far.
Texas for example, if every Texan voted, would very likely be a purple/blue state but a lack of engagement (and aggressive voter suppression) makes it red.
The right engagement can push any state Blue or Red.
Here is a short list of important state-level races this year
Old post from the primaries but with good links to voter resources
General Tips
Add important election deadlines to your planner or calendar
Reminder for US citizens abroad that you are entitled to vote and the deadline to return your ballot or register is probably a lot earlier than voters currently in the US
Schedule time to go vote
Double check your voter registration information before the registration deadline to ensure you will be able to vote.
Make sure your voter registration information matches your state-issued photo ID
Research candidates and issues on the ballot before going to vote. You can have a "voting study group" with your friends or find ways to make it fun!
Mark your sample ballot with how you intend to vote and bring it with you to vote for easy reference
Make sure you do not have any prohibited items in your bag before going to your voting location. This typically includes weapons such as guns, knives, or pepper spray but can also include things like food and drink. Voting location rules vary.
Bring a book, battery/charger for your phone, water and snacks (if allowed), ear plugs/headphones, medications or any other items you may need to stay comfortable if you have a long wait
Dress comfortably and weather appropriate. Many polling locations do not have seating available and lines may extend outside the building. Do you need a hat & sunglasses for the sun? A rain jacket? A heavy coat & gloves for the cold or a small fan for the heat?
Check traffic & parking information before you go if you are driving to your polling place.
Let a safe friend or family member know you are when and where you are voting.
Ideas & Resources for Encouraging Voter Turn-out in Your Community
Lyft is providing discounted rides on election day for riders heading to the polls. They are also partnering with local non-profits across the country to provide free rides.
Set up a carpool to your polling location with friends, family, and neighbors. (Check local regulations first, some states/localities may have rules about providing transportation to people voting).
Ask your place of employment if they would be willing to close early or allow flexible schedules on voting day (if it is safe for you to do so). This may be more feasible if you work for a small business.
Plan an evening with friends to check your voter registrations, absentee voter status, or register to vote. Make an evening of it. (Make sure this is a private gathering and check your local rules on helping other people register to vote)
Host an after-voting party or election watch party.
Be the annoying (affectionate) friend who shares reminders about voter registration and early voting deadlines. Have the links to your state's voter registration portal on hand and ready to share.
I can't stress this enough if you plan on organizing anything in support of getting your community out to vote, check your local elections laws and make sure not to run afoul of them. A lot of states have passed legislation about who can drop off ballots for other people, who you are allowed to help register, etc.
Stay safe and go vote!
