Four Easy Steps to Ensure Your Voice is Heard on November 3

Every state has different rules and deadlines for registering and voting, and you may have heard some scary and/or confusing news about mail-in voting. TMM has created this 2020 Voting Resource Guide to simplify everything – so YOUR voice is heard on Election Day.

It’s not too soon to start. Take these 4 easy steps NOW!

Step 1: Get Registered

Can’t remember if you are still registered? Or have ever registered? Or have moved to a different location since you registered? Go to Vote.org.

 Step 2: Know Your Status

If you voted before or remember registering to vote, DO NOT assume your registration is still active. If you sit out an election or move without re-registering, some states will change your status to INACTIVE (meaning you cannot vote until you become ACTIVE again). Go to Vote.org to check your status and update your information if changed.

 Step 3: Decide How You Will Vote

Do you want to vote by mail or in person? If you choose to vote by mail, it’s important to understand there is no difference between an absentee ballot and voting by mail in the way the Postal Service processes them.

If you have an ACTIVE, up-to-date registration, and you are planning to vote by mail, and you live in CA, CO, HI, NJ, NV, OR, UT, VT, WA or Washington, DC, a ballot will be mailed to you. If you don’t receive one, go to Vote.org.

If you do not live in one of those states, but plan to vote by mail, you should request your ballot NOW – giving you plenty of time to receive and return it, for it to be COUNTED. Go to Vote.org.

The New York Times created a practical interactive map with useful information about mail-in voting, absentee ballots, and some states’ requirements for voters to submit an excuse (stating why they can’t vote in person) to receive absentee ballots.

Once you receive your ballot, complete and return it as soon as possible.

If your state offers ballot tracking, you can track your application and ballot at Vote.org, to ensure they are processed in a timely manner. You can also find information on how to return your ballot, including drop-boxes and other methods, at Vote.org.

Step 4: VOTE!

If you decide to vote in person, TMM recommends you take advantage of early voting if your state offers it (40 states allow some form of it). All information regarding your state’s early voting can be found at https://www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/.

 HEADS UP: Many polling places have been closed due to COVID-19 (or other reasons).

Not sure where your polling place is, or whether it has been closed? Know before you go! Go to Vote.org/polling-place-locator/.

Still Have Questions?

Here are some additional resources:

• Rock The Vote
• Vote 411
• I Will Vote
• Vote America
• We Can Vote

OR

• Text VOTE to 30330

 Willing to Do More?

• Sign up to serve as an election worker in your community at powerthepolls.com.
• Assist with voter protection by signing up at fairfight2020.org.
• See something, say something: if something seems questionable, call 833-DEM-VOTE (833-336-8683) or the Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
• Report voting-related problems with, or concerns about, the mail (U.S. Postal Service) by clicking here.

You may have heard people say, “this is one of the most consequential elections in recent history.” TMM certainly believes that’s true. President Trump won some states in the 2016 election by very slim margins. So YOUR VOTE MATTERS!

PLEASE share these helpful resources with your friends and family – and be sure to VOTE.

 

 

Compiled by Laurentine Nicoletto, TMM Staff

Images: Google Images

2020 VOTER’S GUIDE: ABC7news

Register to Vote: my.lwv.org

CHECK YOUR VOTER STATUS: missedvotes.com

Mailed ballots: Brennan Linsley/AP

Skip the lines VOTE EARLY: saobserver.com

I VOTED stickers: Newsweek