Vote, Vote, VOTE!

Election Day is quickly approaching, and we don’t need to tell you how important it is to cast your ballot this year. You’re hearing it everywhere, and we know you know. But – just in case – before you read this blog post, take a few minutes make your voter plan. Have you already voted early? Do you need to drop your ballot off? Do you know where to go? If you’re voting in person, do you know where your polling place is? If you don’t know the answer to any of these questions as you read them, check out Vote.org as a great starting point to get the answers you need. Okay, are you #VoteReady now? Read on! 

For a lot of people, this year is the first year that they’ve sat with and truly spent time thinking about the systems that go into casting your ballot and what happens after. Why do we have an Electoral College? What is voter suppression? Does voter fraud actually exist? Why does every state do this differently? Thankfully, there are a lot of really great books that can answer these questions WAY better than the Facebook trolls can. Here’s a few of my favorites: 

Thank You For Voting by Eric Geiger Smith 

This book takes a look at the electoral system and the vital issues many face within it. Everything from the history of the right to vote and gerrymandering to the Electoral college is covered within, as well as other common causes of low voter turnout. Told in easy to read chapters, you'll finish this book feeling inspired to cast your ballot. 

What You Need to Know About Voting by Kim Wehle

Did you know that less than half of eligible voters routinely show up to the polls? This book talks about why. From learning about our primary system to different state regulations, this book is great for asking all those questions that you've wanted to ask but maybe felt like you should already know. Spoiler: the system is designed to be confusing, and it's totally okay to ask these questions! 

One Person, No Vote by Carol Anderson

This book is a deep dive into voter suppression and how it is destroying democracy. It focuses a lot on the Shelby ruling, which in 2013 was a Supreme Court decision that took away a lot of our ability to enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This is hugely problematic, because it makes it way easier to legally prevent people from voting - especially BIPOC individuals. 

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert 

This delightful YA novel is a great book to share with teens who might be voting for the first time, or for anyone who just wants a heartwarming story where election madness turned out right. Part love story, this book follows two teens as they navigate voting for the first time. They confront what happens when one is turned away at the polls, and making sure that your ballot gets counted before Election Day is over. By the way, if that happens to you on Election Day, make sure you ask for a provisional ballot. 

There's a ton of information out there about voting, and I can't speak highly enough of these books if you want to learn more. This election is one that will impact our country for decades to come and you have a voice. Your voice and your vote is fundamental. Use it. Unless you're a cis white man who owns property, there was a time in our country's history when your right to vote did not exist. There are MANY American citizens today still fighting for that right, and dying for it too. Don't take it for granted, get out there and VOTE. 

- Amanda Robinson (Program & Partnerships Coordinator)