Wherever you fall on the issues, one thing most people can agree on is that this election is an important one. Whether you expect to celebrate with a Mazel Tov cocktail (it’s a thing!) or spend Nov. 4th working on your emigration papers, now is the time to make your voice heard.
DEMOCRACY DEPENDS ON THE PEOPLE’S VOICES
Democracies aren’t perfect, but the core idea remains: Every vote counts and every voice matters. No candidate will represent your views perfectly, but casting your ballot for the one who most represents your values is the best way to make your voice heard and to play a part in the course the country takes.
Every election is important, but with interference from foreign forces and the misuse of social media platforms playing an increasingly important role in shaping public opinion, our democracy’s vulnerabilities are on full display. According to the FBI director, one way to combat misinformation is to get your information from reputable sources like your state’s page (which will end with a .gov) rather than social media.
MAKE YOUR PLAN
Increased absentee ballot requests cause increased concern over lost or invalid ballots. The best way to combat all of these issues is to observe CDC guidelines for masks and social distancing and to vote early / in person. Make your voting plan today. Whatever you choose to do, this site provides all the information you need. Just select your state and you’ll get all the information you need in one place.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
2020 has been the year of curveballs, including added anxiety about getting to the polls. The possible effects of in-person voting have caused some poll workers (who tend to be older and more at risk) to sit this one out. The ripple effects mean some polling locations could be closed. You may also consider becoming a poll worker. Bonus: you will most likely be paid! Groups are especially interested in recruiting bilingual candidates this year.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Just in case you need a refresher, here are just a few of the top issues at stake in the 2020 election.
The Supreme Court
Top of mind after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing is the direction of the Supreme Court. Republicans are moving quickly to fill the seat while Democrats are urging them to apply the same standards as they did in 2016. During President Obama’s last year in office, Republicans insisted the vacancy shouldn’t be filled until the new president was installed. With the Supreme Court steering the course of the nation for decades, it’s no small issue.
Health Care
Coverage, cost, and quality are all at play here. Oh, and politics, of course. NPR breaks it down here.
The Economy
Election season uncertainty knows no limits—it affects individuals as well as businesses owners. Between unemployment, shuttered small businesses, and a global pandemic still raging, it’s an especially profound consideration this go around, though we won’t be able to measure its full effects anytime in the near future.
The good news is that while short-term volatility often increases immediately after election day, the uncertainty tends to ease in the months following. Still, 2020 is the year of no guarantees, so…
THE BOTTOM LINE
We are now 40 days from election day. Now is the time to make your plan and use your voice. Do it to it. Vote!
