Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, and sharing your own excitement on social media!
1. VOLUNTEER TO BE A POLL WORKER: Millions of Americans will be showing up to polls on November 3rd, and it is expected that there will be a **shortage** of poll workers! Traditionally, many poll workers are older adults who may opt out of volunteering this year to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19. Poll workers are CRITICAL to elections, helping to assist voters and making things run smoothly.
This year, volunteering to be a poll worker is NOT without risk – many states plan to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to poll workers and encourage social distancing, but please consider your family’s risk before signing up. If you feel comfortable taking on this important responsibility, you can get more information and links to sign up in your state from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
2. GET OUT THE VOTE (from your home!): You are likely a trusted friend and family member to several eligible voters – contact them and ask them about their voting plans! Share your plan to vote and why you think it’s important to the health of our nation to use our voices to select leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. Offer to help them navigate the rules for voting by mail and in person for their state (you can even share our post on voting by mail).
3. SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Believe it or not, supporting a culture of voting can start right on your own social media page! Whether you prefer Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, you can share resources for voter registration and instructions to vote with your friends and coworkers. Create a sense of excitement around casting your ballot and exercising your right to vote, and your friends just might want to do the same! Check out the links below to help provide trusted and accurate voting information with your networks.
We know this isn’t an exhaustive list – if you’re volunteering to support safe elections in your community, let us know how you’re helping in the comments! With just FIVE WEEKS until Election Day, we are grateful for every action that helps our neighbors vote safely and securely.
Stay safe, stay sane,
Those Nerdy Girls
#VotingTuesday #StayingSafe
Resources to share with friends and family:
