Yeah, there are zero good reasons to not vote. Sorry to get political, but getting to the polls is important. I know it can get overwhelming with the maniacal amount of ads on TV, online and in the newspaper (does anyone still read that?). Even though everyone is literally screaming at you to vote, don’t do it for them. Do it for yourself. Vote for the change you want to happen. Vote so you know you did something.
If you are still on the voting fence, I’ve made a list of the top 5 excuses and how to get around them:
1. I don’t know any of the candidates.
See that thing permanently attached to your hand? Google your candidates and propositions. I did my due diligence this year and researched the candidates and propositions I was unsure about so I could make informed choices. As much as I want to turn a blind eye and be blissfully unaware of the social climate, I can’t. Not with the way things are going. Always having my phone on me really helps.
2. I don’t know where my polling place is.
This one is easy peasy. Visit RockTheVote.com or Ballotpedia to find your nearest polling location.
To find your polling place in California, click here: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place/
3. I don’t have a ride.
Uber and Lyft offer FREE and discounted rides to polls. Next!
On November 6th, Uber riders can enter code VOTE2018 on the app to get $10 off a single ride. (If it doesn’t work, update your app to the latest version.)
Lyft is offering free rides to underserved communities and discounted rides to others. Visit Vote.org or Buzzfeed on November 6th to get a 50% off Lyft code.
4. I don’t have time.
Many states have time-off-to-vote laws that allow you to leave work early or come in later to cast your vote. If your state doesn’t allow that, polls are generally open for 11-12 hours (or longer) to give you time before and after work to vote. To find your times, check out Ballotpedia.
5. My vote doesn’t matter.
I used to think the exact same way, which is why I never voted until a few short years ago. Your vote influences public policy decisions. A few people banding together to vote can make all the difference. Mentalfloss put together a great list of elections decided by only ONE VOTE.
See you at the polls on November 6th!
