It’s that time again– time to cast your vote! I hope everyone registered to vote in October and are ready to take to the polls this Tuesday, Nov. 6th. There’s been so much outrage over politics and the current administration– now is a time to create change. It is more than important to stay aware and use your voice. Charged with voting power, casting a vote in this Midterm Elections is more than necessary.

I’m not here to tell you how to vote but to encourage you to get educated about who and what is on the ballot. Awareness is key! Even Spotify is pulling out all the stops to get voters aware and excited about the elections. They created a playlist called Get Vocal, California! featuring the most popular songs streaming in Cali.  So, if you haven’t already looked through the piles of pamphlets or large cardstock campaign ads coming through the mail, there are a number of resources available to get in the know. Also, I share a few tips to get you motivated and out to the polls!

Tips For Voting

First, I want everyone to know that on Election Day the polls are open from 7:00AM to 8:00 PM. Also, you can find out about a polling place near you by calling (800)-345-VOTE.

Get Educated

You can learn about the candidates and propositions that are on the ballot at vote411.org and votersedge.org. These are two very helpful websites where you can find voting locations as well as info about the candidates and issues. All you have to do is put in your zip code or address and the information will be at your fingertips. Vote411 shares actual statements about where most of the candidates stand on current issues. If you happened to be interested in finding out who President Obama was supporting, Votersedge tells you that information when you click on a candidate. It also includes a full profile of candidate information like their bios, political beliefs, email addresses, and even their social media handles.

Have Your Vote Ready

If you have Instagram then you have probably seen the posts by TV show Grown-ish stating voting can take around 11 minutes to do. That’s shocking right? Well, it can be even shorter if you have your sample ballot, which is usually mail to you,  ready or at least go into the polls knowing what you’re going to choose. So, once you’ve checked out vote411 and votersedge, fill out your sample ballot or make a list of your choices and be in and out when you go to the polls.

Make A Day of Voting

Even though you’ll stand at the polls alone, voting doesn’t have to be a totally solitary experience. Consider going to vote with a group of friends or with your family. When it’s voting time, I usually like to go with my family. Making a plan, setting a time when we’re available definitely helps to get me to the polls. I think going with others can help you to know that your vote counts. Also, it can even be a motivating factor to get out there on Nov. 6th if you’ve made a plan to go with others. If you’re on the fence about voting due to transportation, LA’s Metro system has you covered– offering free rides on Election Day! Even Uber has you covered. So hop on the bus with your friends and get to the polls, once you’re done go eat or catch a movie rocking your ‘I Voted’ stickers.

Know Your Power

Voting is something women and people of color have fought and even died for. I don’t know about you but this information fuels me to exercise my vote, especially now. This upcoming Election Day, I am nearly 100% positive about who and what I’m voting for and I hope anyone reading this uses the resources avalibel to them to get ready this Tuesday.

Need that extra humph to get you charged up to use your voting power? Just look at these profound images of women winning the right to vote and taking to the polls by HuffPost.

Be Heard, Go Vote!

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Best,

Kai 😀