Your quick and easy guide to VOTE and why to VOTE for Climate.
If there is one sustainability tip you take action on this year, VOTING for Climate this fall is it!
With record-high intensities and numbers of wildfires and hurricanes and the related huge economic losses, public health effects, and immeasurable human-losses, the impacts of climate change are taking their toll in the U.S. and beyond. Experts note that implementing U.S. policy to mitigate climate change impacts is essential, including escalating the use of clean energy, building clean energy-related jobs, and ultimately phasing out the burning of oil, gas, and coal with transitional programs for employees.
Voting in the elections this fall is your opportunity to elect candidates that will vote for action to mitigate climate change now, regardless of the party they affiliate with! Voting for Climate means voting for our local communities today, and for our kids and generations of tomorrow.
While a key piece of democracy, voting can seem complicated- especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, there are huge efforts out there to make it as easy and simple as possible for Americans to vote, ranging from music engagement to running events.
Headcount is a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. All net proceeds from the Prine/Isbell What’ve I Done To Help? Tee co-branded with Recover go to Headcount to contribute to efforts to get Americans to get out and vote. Running For Office Virtual Challenge is a digital running event aimed at mobilizing the electorate to #exercisetovote for the 20 days leading up to the 2020 election. $12 of every Running For Office entry fee is donated directly to America Votes, which works to protect every American’s right to vote across the U.S. The event’s hoodies and tees are co-branded with Recover.
Here’s your quick and easy guide to VOTE this fall.
Take action now- the sooner the better!
*Note that some States have their absentee ballot final request dates set too late to receive and return your ballot by the time of the election. Request your absentee ballot today and return it as soon as possible to ensure your vote is counted. In some States, you can also drop it off at your County Clerk’s office on Election day if you are in a pinch- but, better to just get it done early and make your vote count!
1. Register to Vote.
If you are not already registered to Vote, do it today! In many States, you must register to vote by the beginning of October, although the elections are not until November 3rd.
Go to Headcount or the NY Times Guide to find easy links to register to vote in your area.
2. Decide if you will vote by mail, early, or in person.
Decide if you would like to vote by mail or in person. If you are voting by mail, request your mail-in ballot today. If you plan to vote in person, confirm the details, protocols, and locations you can vote in in your area; take into account these may change due to the pandemic and make sure if you plan to vote in person, you will be able to be flexible to get your vote in. Follow the NY Times Guide to get the information you need to get your ballot and get your vote counted.
3. Research Your Candidates.
Many voters receive their ballots or get to the voting booth and are unfamiliar with some candidates and measures on their ballot, but this year, it’s easy to do some research to know what’s going to be on your ballot, so you can decide how you want to vote. VOTE411 “Find What’s on your Ballot” is a great resource. Once you see what’s on your ballot via VOTE411, you can do some research on the candidates and measures on your ballot and make informed decisions for your vote.
In the words of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." Voting is a strong step in fighting for the things you care about, so get out and Vote for Climate this fall!
