Get Out the Vote 2020

Make your voice heard at the ballot box.

Voting in every election is the most effective way to make your voice heard. Want representatives who look like you, are from your community and share your values? Vote. Want to see change in local law enforcement? Vote. Feel forgotten or ignored by politicians? Change begins with voting.

Why should I vote?

Vote for your future.

Are you worried about how COVID-19 will impact your children’s education and childcare? Do you want to ensure affordable housing funding continues? Are you hoping to have access to healthcare when you need it? Vote for leaders committed to solving these issues for you and future generations.

Vote for your community.

BIPOC communities often face very challenging and dehumanizing issues: racial profiling by law enforcement, unequal pay, immigration raids, lack of affordable housing, and many more. These inequities will only be addressed when all of our voices are at the table. This means turning out to vote, and supporting candidates who understand the community.

Because if you don’t, others will.

Maybe politics don’t interest you, or you feel that the government rarely takes your community into consideration. “Does my vote even matter?” It is important to remember who will be voting this election: your insurance company, large corporations and others with the power to make decisions that impact your daily life. When you don’t vote, decisions will be made on your behalf, and you won’t have a say.

We’ve convinced you to make your voice heard. Now, how do you vote?

Make sure you’re eligible.

Are a U.S. citizen.
Meet your state’s residency requirements. Important to note: you can be homeless and still meet these requirements.
Are 18 years old on or before election day. In DC, you can pre-register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by election day.
Are registered to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline.

Register to vote in DC.

There are a few ways to register to vote in DC: online; by mail, email or fax; or in-person during early voting or on Election Day. If you register to vote in-person, you must bring proof of residence that shows your name and DC address. Remember: you can still register to vote in-person during early voting or on Election Day even if you miss the October 13 early voter registration deadline.

DC: Click here for DC voter registration information.
MD: Click here for MD voter registration information
VA: Click here for VA voter registration information.

Where can I vote or drop off my ballot?

For vote-by-mail DC voters, click here to find ballot drop box locations.
For early DC voters, click here to find polling locations.
For election day DC voters, click here to find voting centers.

I still have questions. Can I easily find answers to them?

Yes, the DC Board of Elections’ website has helpful information for DC voters. If you are incarcerated or a returning citizen, need voter assistance, or are a high school or college student with additional questions, they have you covered. If you still need assistance, email [email protected].

How can I stay safe at the polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

The safest way to vote is to vote by mail.

If you can’t vote by mail, try to vote early.

If you vote in-person on election day, follow COVID-19 hygienic protocol:

Try to vote during a time when your polling location is less crowded. This is likely to be in the early morning or mid-afternoon.
Maintain a six-foot distance between you, other voters and poll workers at all times.
Wear a mask throughout the entire voting process.
Sanitize any polling equipment before and after use with anti-bacterial wipes.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before and after voting. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

What are my voting rights?

If you are in line when the polls close, the polling location must allow you to vote. Don’t leave until you cast your ballot.
If the machines are down at your polling place, you have the right to request a paper ballot.
It is against the law to pressure someone into not voting or to vote for a specific candidate. If you are being harassed at the polls, you can report the incident to the election protection hotline by calling by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA.