Give To Get Joins Vote Early Day Initiative
In 2016, more than 47 million individuals cast their vote early either in person or as part of a mail-in voting effort. This year, Americans are on track to eclipse that number, according to the United States Election Project.
Although many are choosing to vote early to avoid exposure to the coronavirus, there has also been a concentrated effort to encourage voting and, in particular, early voting. Unlike in the past, when only the most politically active got involved in getting out the vote, there has been a groundswell of excitement around this election.
Case in point: NBA superstar LeBron James waited until October 2016 to endorse Hillary Clinton during her presidential bid. This time, James and a group of prominent Black athletes and entertainers not only endorsed candidates early — James endorsed Biden in July — they launched the More Than a Vote initiative, which is aimed at inspiring individuals to register to vote and to cast votes in the upcoming election. James was also quick to publicize that the STAPLES Center would be used as a voting center when the Lakers’ Jeanie Buss made that announcement in August.
Others are stepping up thanks to Vote Early Day — a movement of nonprofits, businesses, election administrators, and creatives working to ensure that all Americans know not only the benefits of voting early, but also how to vote early.
Not sure where to get started? Verify your voter registration. If you’re not registered or not registered at the correct address, there’s still time to register in some states. States like California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, and others allow same-day voter registration, according to the U.S. Vote Foundation. Vote.org offers more information on deadlines for voter registration, too.
Once you’re registered to vote, there are tools available to help you make a plan to vote, which can include voting as part of the first-ever Vote Early Day on October 24. This allows you to take advantage of numerous early voting options, including both mail-in and in-person voting. Over 200 million Americans (~80% of eligible voters) have options to vote before Election Day without needing an excuse.
Individuals who are young, healthy, and interested in taking a leadership role during the electoral process can become a poll worker. It’s also possible to become a Nonpartisan Election Protection volunteer who is responsible for monitoring polling places to ensure that voters’ rights are secure and monitoring social media for disinformation.
Do you want to learn more about Vote Early Day? Visit the organization’s website, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook page.