Voting 2020: Where, How, Why
Hapa Mag - OCTOBER 7, 2020
By Joanna Carpenter
Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by 2020?
(SPOILER ALERT: THAT’S ALL OF US!)
At the time of publishing, we are less than a month out from arguably the most important election in the history of the United States.
As an organizer, I have been privy to countless moments where fellow voters feel powerless, confused, and overwhelmed. While these feelings are entirely understandable — as they are symptoms of a system designed to reinforce cultural, class, and race divisions by way of weaponizing information and language meant to exclude — there are steps that you as an individual can take to use your voice.
First:
You must do your research. Have you ever tried to argue a point but you didn’t have the clearest picture of what you were fighting for? If you don’t dig deep into the topics that resonate with you, your power is weakened because you cannot clearly fight for what you believe in. It’s like trying to go for a run with no pants on — you can do it, but there might be a more effective way.
Google is always your friend when it comes to learning, but be sure to vet your sources. If something feels heavily biased, make sure that any scientific or mathematical data you are consuming is rooted in reputable research. Knowledge is power.
Second:
You must have a plan to vote. Simply saying, “Of course I’m going to vote!” is not enough. Between gerrymandering, voter suppression, the partisan shilling of the USPS, renegade community suppression tactics at the local level during early voting, and the coronavirus pandemic, our ability to vote easily and seamlessly has never been more threatened.
While voting early and in-person (with a mask and hand sanitizer) is the clearest way to make sure you are counted, many people have underlying health issues that make the risks too great. If you are concerned about your safety, make sure you request and mail in your absentee ballot early, checking and double-checking for any random rules put in place by your state such as extra postage or “secrecy envelopes.” You can also (neatly, and with a black pen) fill out your absentee ballot and drop it off at your local secure dropbox or polling place.
For extra democracy points, have conversations with your friends, colleagues, former colleagues, the barista you have a crush on, your family, extended family, Tinder match, and anyone else you can think of to make sure that THEY also have a plan. Don’t wait.
Finally:
Shed the belief that your voice will not be heard or your vote will not be counted.
You, dear reader, are an essential part of propping up democracy, simply by taking the steps outlined above. As a collective, we are the embodiment of democracy. So for the undocumented who came before you, for the Black activists who paved the way to the Voting Rights Act, for the suffragists, and especially for all the immigrants and laborers in the prison industrial complex who are forced to stand on the sidelines and watch those in power dictate the course of their lives: Use your power to lift up the voices of the unheard to make the future better for all of us.
For more information and guidance on creating your personalized voting plan, here's a shortlist of vetted resources:
How to Vote in Every State — This FiveThirtyEight guide will tell you everything you need to know about voting in your state, absentee, early voting, etc.
This handy table outlines who can drop off an absentee ballot for you, among oodles of other good voting rules.
Vote Save America — Here’s a great resource for all things voting. It includes links to register, information on all candidates and platforms, and general information on how voting works. Find out what you need to know in order to vote intelligently and effectively. There is also information on “adopting” a state to increase voter registration, and information on how to volunteer for the candidate of your choice.
Voter Lookup, NY — Wondering if you’re registered to vote? Here’s how to find your voter registration verification and polling place for New York State residents. This information is available for all states, so be sure to look for your local website.
Pew Research is a nonpartisan think tank that provides polling data and other statistical research. Check them out for general statistical research regarding politics and general countrywide opinions, etc.
Joanna Carpenter hails most recently from the world of craft spirits brand management. She is an industry leader in beverage/ brand relationship cultivation, and designing niche bar concepts. A seasoned hospitality veteran, Joanna has helped create cocktails for some of New York City's most recognizable spaces and is a proud, active advocate for creating equal visibility and support for women and persons of color in hospitality. Joanna is a singer, actor, and director, recently seen as the Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS with NAAP/Prospect Theatre Co and “Run the World (Gays)”.