The 2020 election is a moment for renewed vision for our nation and our world. Voting is the central sacrament of our democracy. For people of faith and conscience, voting is how we create a country that reflects our values.
Do you know how you’re going to vote this year? Not who you’re going to vote for, but HOW you’re going to vote?
With the pandemic and ongoing voter suppression, elections this year will be different. You might not just stroll up to a local church or school gymnasium like in years past.
Here is what you can do right now: MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE NOW. Whether you will vote by mail or early in person, making your plan to vote is one of the best things you can do right now.
IPL’s partner organization, When We All Vote, offers this Voter Resources Hub where you can check your voter registration, request your mail-in ballot, research your ballot, find your polling location, register to vote, and more.
Here’s a checklist we put together to help you make your plan:
✔️ Make Sure Your Registration is Current
You can register to vote, check your registration, or update it at Weall.vote/ipl.
✔️ VOTE BY MAIL
Request your ballot
Check your voter registration status and request your ballot now through this Voter Resources Hub. This way you’ll have enough time to fill it out and return it early.
Voters in some states can request their ballots right now, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
There are currently 9 states plus D.C. who will automatically send ballots to registered voters for the November elections (California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington).
Return your ballot
Many states allow you to return your ballot to your local election office, polling location, or to a secure, designated ballot drop box. You can also drop it in the mail — just do it early! Check with your local election office for more information on where to drop off your ballot. Worried about USPS? Here are your in-person ballot return options.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is still a safe and reliable option in most places. They have played a critically important role in making sure millions of Americans’ voices are heard in elections for over 100 years.
✔️ VOTE EARLY IN PERSON
41 states have some form of in-person early voting and may start as early as 46 days before Election Day (that’s as soon as September 18th).
Many states also have weekend early voting options. Early voting allows you to vote in person without waiting in crowded or long lines. Check your local election office for more information about early voting in your area.
✔️ VOTE IN PERSON ON ELECTION DAY
Many people may still prefer to vote at the polls on November 3rd. If you can safely vote in person on Election Day, we urge you to plan to allow as much time as possible at the polls, double check your polling place location, and don’t forget to bring a mask and hand sanitizer.
The 2020 election will be one of the most consequential of our lifetimes. Make sure your voice is heard. Then help your faith community, friends, and family make their voting plans too!
