Chi Voted

Just a few weeks ago, we posted a blog looking at the similarities between Simchat Torah and Election Day, which happen annually each fall. We explored how, for those of us who are old enough, it is our duty to vote; a mitzvah some may say. We also highlighted the many ways those note old enough to vote can get involved and be heard.

Now, with Election Day just 2 days away, and a record-breaking turnout for early voting and more mail in ballots received than ever before,  we have a few more resources that we want to share with the Camp Chi Family.

• Vote.org is an incredibly helpful website, where you can check your registration, find your polling place, locate a ballot box, and much more. They also have great resources that help explain your voting rights and a number to call should you experience, hear, or see anything unkosher at the polling place.
• BallotReady.org is another great website to help you check your registration, find you polling place, etc. Ballot Ready takes you through your ballot, exploring the races, candidates, measures, and endorsements, allowing you to learn and select your ballot before even leaving home.
• WhenWeAllVote.org offers similar services to the above sites, but their voting resources are quite robust, especially their voting rights card with key phone numbers.

If you’ve already voted, there are still ways you can be involved:

• Drive your family and friends to the polls. In 2016, 14% of eligible voters noted transportation limitations as the reason they could not get to the polls.
  • Not comfortable driving others? Totally understandable. Uber is offering 50% off round-trip rides to and from the polls (up to $7 each way or $14 round-trip. Similarly, Lyft is offering 50% off one ride up to $10 to any polling location or dropbox using the code 2020VOTE*
• Remind your family and friends who are eligible to vote. Believe it or not, there are some who may forget or not make it to the polls. Make it your responsibility to remind them and encourage them to both learn about the issues, candidates, and races, and get out there and vote.
• Call voters via a phone bank. Votes decide elections, but conversations help people make choices when casting their ballot. If there is a candidate you are passionate about, a  phone bank is a great way to help get others to support for their campaign and candidacy. And election day is the last chance to reach out to others for that candidate.
• Work the polls.  As a poll worker, you have the chance to make a difference in the experience of all voters. This includes first-time voters, new voters in the district, and devoted community members who vote in every election, every year. In many states, including Illinois, high school and college students can work the polls on election day. Any of the 3 sites listed above have links to sign up for working the polls.

How you choose to get involved is not important. What is important is that, if you are old enough, you are voting, have voted, and are doing all you can to help those around you get out and vote too.