Hey so friendly reminder about voting and elections that I haven’t seen going around yet but is SUPER IMPORTANT.
Watch what you wear and say while you’re waiting in line for the voting booth/at the polls. It is against federal law to do anything that might be considered campaigning once you’re there, and since we know that voter suppression is the name of the game this election, there will be people looking for ANY reason to remove you from the polling place. And they will nitpick. You have a shirt with a artistic picture of donkey on it? You’re visibly supporting the Democrats, you’re disqualified from voting. Want to wear a Black Lives Matter shirt? Not there you don’t. They’ll call it intimidation and kick you out. Pins, buttons, stickers, none of it. Wear the most bland, plain clothes you can imagine.
And then keep your mouth shut. Even the slightest hint of discussion about which candidate you’re voting for can get used against you. Don’t assume the people around you are safe to discuss it with. You might be overheard. There WILL people watching for these things, hoping to get rid of anyone they can. Voter suppression isn’t just about making registration impossible. It happens at the polling stations too. Be smart, be bland, be quiet, and make sure your vote gets in.
Also- and I have seen this mentioned but it bears repeating- DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR BALLOT. EVER. It’ll also disqualify your vote. Take a selfie when you’re out of their with your fun little sticker.
In just about six weeks, on November 6, you will have the privilege of exercising your right to vote in the midterm elections. You, the people, will determine one-third of all U.S. senators and all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. And we want you to feel empowered as hell as you make it happen.
But you can only make a difference if you’re registered to vote.
National Voter Registration Day is on September 26.
Take a few minutes right now and visit NVRD (@nationalvoterregistrationday) to register anytime between now and then. Don’t forget: if you’ve recently changed your name or moved across state lines, you need to update your registration. Have questions? @plannedparenthood wants to help! This Monday, September 24, they will be answering your questions about voting. Go ahead and head over to their ask box now.
What else can you do?
Stay informed. Over the next six weeks, right up until election day, we’re going to highlight and partner up with a number of organizations that can help you stay educated about issues that matter most. We’ll put a spotlight on some of our old favorites for educational resources, like @everytown for sensible gun laws and Fight for the Future (@fight4future) for net neutrality. You can also look forward to hearing more from:
Women — There are more women running for office in 2018 than there has ever been in U.S. history. Huffington Post and and MAKERS (@makerswomen) will be interviewing some of these incumbents and newcomers.
Headcount— Headcount (@thefutureisvoting) stages voter registration drives at concerts and runs programs that translate the power of music into real action. Their goal? Change the culture of voting to turn every election—local, state, and federal—into an event worth celebrating. It shouldn’t feel like a chore.
When We All Vote — @whenweallvote is a new national, nonpartisan, not-for-profit that promises to spark new conversation around the responsibilities we all share in shaping the promise of our democracy. Namely, the responsibility of registering and voting.
#VoteTogether— #VoteTogether offers grants of $2,500 to local organizers to hold and promote nonpartisan block parties near polling places. This year Tumblr will be the financial sponsor and partner of two #VoteTogether events.
10/25 — Black Girls Vote + Tumblr present: #VoteTogether in Baltimore. BGV focuses on organizing Black women across the country to participate in local, state and national elections. Tumblr will be supporting BGV for an all-day event led by 50 of their student leaders from Morgan State University. We will then lead a march to the polls followed by a #VoteTogether block party with announcements of scholarships for some of the incredible students.
10/27 — Equity Alliance + Tumblr present: #VoteTogether in Nashville. This year will be Equity Alliance’s third #VotingIsLit celebration. EA is planning on hosting a Halloween-themed and family friendly event in the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville, and we want to see you there. The spookiest costume? A person who forgot to register to vote by September 26, National Voter Registration Day.
Be on the lookout for more information on these events in the coming weeks! We want you there.
Phew. That was a lot. We know. But this is important stuff. The past few years may have felt particularly exhausting to you. You’re not alone. Take care of yourselves however you can, and remember that you and your vote matter. Let your voice be heard.
And one more time, for good measure:
National Voter Registration Day is on September 26.
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