By Shannon Hewkin
We all know that 2020 has been a shit show so far, and to top it off we have an election to witness in November. You took a big step toward being a responsible voter by watching the first 2020 Presidential Debate.
You wanted to learn more about the candidates’ platforms and maybe take a shot each time Trump said “yuge” or Biden forgot his topic, but now you’re horrified for other reasons (and you should be).
Whether you’re someone with or without the privilege to vote, and wondering how else you can make an impact on the November election besides casting your vote.
Here are a few ways to up the votes and help those communities who need it most:
- Volunteer with Drag Out the Vote, a nonpartisan organization led by drag queens and kings to help engage the 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ folks who were not registered to vote in 2016. From signing people up to vote at drag events on and offline, to hosting drag charity shows, you’ll be helping many “sashay their way to the polls” this November.
- Work the polls with More Than a Vote, a project started by LeBron James to help end Black voter suppression. With Black Americans being affected by COVID-19 almost three times more than white Americans, polling places need to be even safer in Black communities. By donating time, younger and healthier volunteers can help keep older, more at-risk workers at home.
- Host a proposition Zoom Happy Hour—start a weekly chat with friends to talk about important propositions and what they mean (and be sure to include your alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink of choice). Expand your reach by posting event times on meetup.com or other platforms so others can join. By the time the election rolls around, you’ll have covered all the props and will be confident in how to cast your vote.
- Drive a Vote-Wagon—post signs in your apartment or office building to let people know you can drive them in your car to the polls if they don’t have transportation or a suspended license. Set up multiple times during the day and night to give them options.
Over 100 million eligible folks did not vote in 2016, and even more voted only for the president, ignoring important local and federal propositions.
As well as the many Americans who are not able to vote due to immigration status or being currently or formerly incarcerated, it’s important to us at Tusk Magazine that every possible vote is counted and every person is spoken for.
