If your inbox is anything like mine, then it’s got too much election stuff. I’m assuming that you’re already on board with the pro-science, anti-fascist party that supports access to reproductive health care, climate action, and other stuff that’s important for our loved ones and our future. So I’ll just say the three things I want you to know:
First, if you can, please vote early. This is because they’re going to pull out the stops on voter suppression, and I don’t want any of you to be in harm’s way. And I don’t want your fear of being harmed or sitting in lines for hours to prevent you from voting. Also, the more people who vote early make it easier for people voting on Election Day to get through the lines.
Second, please make it easier for non-voting people in your lives to vote. That includes your students. It’s okay to provide information about where and when to vote. I think it’s unethical to give students course credit for voting but there are a lot of ways you can make it easier for them.
Third, many states allow same-day voter registration day, for both early voting and on Election Day. These states include Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Virginia, Wisconsin, Maine, Iowa, and more. Here is a list. North Carolina allows same-day voter registration for early voting only, not on the day of the election. In these states, you can show up at the polls to register and to vote, and that vote will matter.
Last, this is going to be a hard week, and the following one won’t be easier no matter what happens. Let’s make a point to be gentle and take care of one another.
Thanks so much for reminding me of this song!!