Plan Ahead for the Upcoming Election
WEEK OF OCTOBER 5 – FOUR WEEKS UNTIL ELECTION DAY
Mark your calendar. Election Day is a month away! Review your schedule and block off time to vote. Identify your polling location and, if needed, confirm transportation.
Listen to this week’s podcast episode. Download the latest episode of Love Lead Listen to learn about voting gaps in the U.S., and how you can help close them. Listen wherever you get podcasts or at alphagammadelta.org/podcast.
Learn about mail-in voting/absentee ballots. If you feel unsafe voting in person or plan to be away from your designated polling area on Election Day, you may qualify for an absentee ballot. Visit vote.org/absentee-voting-rules TODAY to see if you’re still within the deadline to make a request. Deadlines and request reasons vary by state and may have changed because of COVID-19.
Research candidates and issues. While you may already know who you’re voting for in the Presidential Election, it’s important to be informed on any local candidates and issues as well. Ballot measures can be especially confusing, so it’s helpful to read them ahead of time. Visit ballotpedia.org to review who and what will be on your ballot.
Consider early voting. Due to COVID-19, many states are offering expanded early voting opportunities this year. If you do not qualify to vote by mail or you have other obligations on Election Day, consider early voting.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 12 – THREE WEEKS UNTIL ELECTION DAY
Earn income by working at the polls. Did you know you can make money by serving as a poll worker? If you are available, go to eac.gov and search “Poll Workers” to view your state’s requirements. Many long-time poll workers are in the high-risk category for COVID-19 due age or other underlying conditions, so your area may be in need.
Maintain healthy dialogue. It can be difficult to discuss politics—especially with those who do not share your views. To determine if you want to engage, start by listening. You’ll know pretty quickly if the conversation is meant as an invitation for open dialogue or a one-sided rant. If you want to share your viewpoint, be factual, tactful and resist the urge to “win.” If you don’t want to engage, it’s okay to respectfully decline to participate.
Review the facts. If you’ve found yourself wondering what is or isn’t “fake news,” seek reputable, nonpartisan sources and do your own research. You’ll feel much better about your vote if it comes from a place of knowledge rather than a potentially false or misleading political meme from your crazy uncle (you know the one).
WEEK OF OCTOBER 19 – TWO WEEKS UNTIL ELECTION DAY
Listen to this month’s Impact Talk. Register for this month’s Impact Talk—Surviving Election Season: 5 Wrong Turns and How to Course Correct. Join us on October 22 at 12 p.m. ET to learn how to identify healthy vs. unhealthy political communication, acquire tangible skills to course correct difficult conversations and gain confidence in assertive communication skills for any situation. Register at bit.ly/ImpactTalkOct.
Engage on social media. Use the hashtag #AlphaGamVotes to let us know you’ve made your voice heard. This is also a great way to let nearby sisters know if you can give them a ride to the polls!
WEEK OF OCTOBER 26 – ONE WEEK UNTIL ELECTION DAY
Know the ID requirements. Voter identification rules vary by state—and many states require valid photo IDs. Find out before you get to the polls so you can determine if you need to obtain additional identification. If you already have a photo ID, take a second to make sure it hasn’t expired.
NOVEMBER 3 – ELECTION DAY
Be safe at the polls. Be mindful of your safety and the safety of others. Wear a mask, sanitize your hands before and after voting and stay socially distant from other voters. Visit CDC.gov for additional safety information.
Dress for (voting) success. Remember, you cannot wear clothing or paraphernalia that promotes a candidate or party inside the polling location. If you’re wearing something political that day, take off your button for a few minutes or throw on a sweatshirt so you’re not asked to leave the area.
Verify your polling location on last time. As 2020 has shown us, you never know what may happen next. Verify your voting location one last time to make sure you’re headed to the right place.
