Tomorrow, voters in the United States of America will have the opportunity to let their voices be heard. Women and men alike will be able to go to their local polling places and cast their votes. In my humble opinion, voting is a right that should not be overlooked or underused. And as a friend of mine says, “regardless of how the election goes, you can’t complain about it if you weren’t part of the national conversation.” So if you’re able to vote, carve out time to do so tomorrow. (Cue one of my favorite phrases: a little advance planning goes a long way).
- Every employer I’ve ever had has given employees time off from work to vote. If you work outside the home, find out from your employer what scheduling options are available to you so you can vote.
- Today, take a moment to confirm the location of your polling place, the hours that it’s open, and what ID you’ll need to bring with you. If you have questions, contact your local election commission or city or town offices.
- While you’re at it, take some time to familiarize yourself with the candidates and issues on the ballot in your neck of the woods. If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend that you do this research. It’s okay to be thrilled about being an informed voter.
- Consider whether there are neighbors, family members, or friends in your world who might appreciate a ride to their local polling place. Volunteer to take them!
And as you leave your polling place tomorrow, take a moment to realize the significance of your right to vote. Thank you for being part of the national conversation.
* Photo by Kristen Price