Vote – But Be Safe
You’re probably sick of hearing people say – Don’t forget to vote! I’ve joined that chorus in encouraging you to vote in almost all of my recent blogs. It is a fact that a higher percentage of older Americans vote than any other age group. Given that statistic it makes us a powerful voting bloc, even more reason to make our voices heard.
I know many of the reasons that people don’t vote, I’ll list some of them here and include my rebuttal:
- My state always goes to the Democrats or the Republicans, so my vote doesn’t make a difference.
1) The percentage of the vote that the dominant party gets makes a difference. You hear all the time about how many percentage points a candidate won by in a previous election. That percentage means something.
2) What about all those state and local races, amendments, propositions, bonds, etc. that are on your ballot? Those races and changes may have more impact on you personally than the national elections.
- I don’t feel like I know all I should about the issues to make an educated vote.
1) There are non-partisan web sites and educational information available that helps you understand where the candidates stand and the estimated impact of the different propositions, etc.
2) Talk with someone who you trust and who has the same beliefs and political stance as you and ask them how they are voting and why.
- I’m not sure if I’m registered, or where to vote, or how to vote without going to the actual polls.
1) have a great link that will answer the questions above. It’s a New York Times link that covers every state, since each state often has different rules. Click here to make sure you’re registered or, if you’re not registered, how you still can register, the different methods you can use to vote and where, depending on your address, the nearest polling and ballot drop boxes are located.
The last reason that people may not vote this year is the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a valid fear, given the spike in the number of people testing positive for the virus. I’ve got some advice on how to stay safe while exercising one of the greatest freedoms we have.
The safest way is to vote without leaving your house. Most states have already mailed ballots out that can be filled out and mailed. Mail them early just to make sure they arrive in time. There’s been a lot of political posturing about the Post Office being overwhelmed or delaying the delivery of your mail. Don’t let it keep you from mailing in your ballot, the Postal Service says it can handle the expected volume.
The next safest approach is to drop your ballot into one of the ballot collection stations. The link above will give the location of those stations. It is easy and reduces the number of hands that your ballot passes through before it gets counted.
If you go to vote on November 3rd there are some steps you can take to keep you safe. First wear a mask . . . not under your chin, not under your nose. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and seals around your face. Multiple layers and N95 materials make the most efficient masks. When you go to the polls:
- go at off-peak times, like midmorning.
- monitor the voter line from your car and join when the line is short.
- fill out any needed registration forms ahead of time.
- review a sample ballot at home to cut down on time spent at the polling location.
- take your own black ink pen, or stylus to use on touchscreen voting machines.
Many have said this may be the most important election for decades. I think our founding fathers would say that every election is the most important. It seems like lately there are a lot of things that are out of our control, the pandemic, the negative divisive tone of our politicians, the magnifying of our differences rather than the unity of our common hopes and dreams. Voicing our personal opinions by voting is something we can control, it’s a way we can participate and become involved.
So, for probably not the last time you’ll hear it, be sure and vote. Hopefully, I’ve suggested some tools that will help you to vote efficiently and, most importantly, safely.
Best, Thair