OCTOBER 30, 2018

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theSkimm

Last week, we said we had a couple more surprises in store for you before Election Day. So tonight...we're baaaaack. We’ve talked about the issues, your candidates, and why midterms matter. Now here’s the tactical info for getting to the polls and casting your vote.

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, VOTE

The Story

Next Tuesday, you have the power to choose who represents you in the gov. So don't let the logistics trip you up on the big day. We're here to break it all down.

The Where

First things first, figure out where your polling location is. And make a plan for how to get there. Some places open as early as 6am (heyy early birds), others close as late as 8pm (heyy party people). Check what time yours opens and closes here. And if you need an assist to get to the polls, Uber and Lyft are offering discounted and free rides.

The When

There is no federal law that requires employers to give you time off to get to the polls. Lame. But 30 states have time-off-to-vote laws. Find out if yours is one here. In the 2016 election, voters waited an average of 11 minutes to cast their ballots. So schedule time to go either before or after work...or during a lunch break. If you can't take time off, in some states you can still vote early or absentee. Check if that's still an option in your state here.

The Things to Bring With You

Some states require you to show ID in order to vote. It could be anything from a driver's license, passport, Social Security card, or even a utility bill. Make sure you know what your state wants from you here.

The What If...

If your voter eligibility is being questioned (think: you don't have the right ID, your name or address changed) you might be able to ask for a provisional ballot. Once you fill it out, it typically gets separated from other ballots so election officials can confirm that you're good to vote. Here's more on how it works.

theSkimm

Midterms are in 7 days. Repeat: 7 DAYS. And this year, they're more important than ever. Make a game plan for Election Day so you don't miss out on your opportunity to vote.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you face an obstacle at the polls...

Make sure you have someone to call. Up until the '60s, tactics like literacy tests and making people pay to vote kept a lot of minorities from the polls. And some say voter ID laws have a similar effect today. (See: this.) You have rights. Even around voting. So if you or someone you know gets turned away at the polls, here's what to do.


What to say if you need translations in the voting booth…

The law is on your side. See: the Voting Rights Act. It requires certain jurisdictions (those that have a specific amount of voters who speak another language) to help out with things like translated ballots and bilingual poll workers. Check your local election office to see what's available. The gov also has voting guides available in different languages here.


What to say when your polling place has accessibility issues…

Not OK. You have the right to things like wheelchair-accessible polling places and voting machines to accommodate low vision or blindness. Some states even have options like curbside voting, where a poll worker will bring what you need to your car. Find out what's available through your local election office.

YOUR TOOLKIT

We've made it easier for you to get ready for the big day. Some people meal prep, other people election prep. So read up. And show up.

Build Your Ballot

COMMIT TO VOTE

Be a responsible citizen next Tuesday.

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SKIMM SHARE

Friends don't let friends ghost the polls. Send to everyone you know to get them ready for Election Day.

*No Excuses is theSkimm’s nonpartisan campaign aiming to get 100,000 people to the polls this November


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