We already know that there will be an increase in mail-in ballots because of the ongoing pandemic. Reports from Common Cause show that 1 in 3 voters will be voting by mail this year. We also know that mail-in ballots take more time to count. It is important that we prepare now to educate citizens and to encourage politicians to speak out about the delay in results that must occur if we want to have an accurate count.

We are already seeing Republicans calling this fraud, when in reality rejected ballots are far more prevalent than voter fraud. Experts have calculated that .0025% of ballots in the last election were fraudulent, with just under 1% of ballots, or 318,728 were rejected in that same election. Experts are suggesting that the number of rejected ballots will be much higher this year. Ballots can be rejected because of late arrival, a missing signature or an unverified signature.

When you think about it, without extra funding, can you imagine being one of the people to count all those ballots in 24 hours? Extra mail in ballots deserves extra funding.

The post office is already seeing a reduction in the number of employees working because of the coronavirus and people in quarantine. In addition, with recent changes in policy within the USPS expect a delay of an extra three days. Anything that used to be received in three days can now take about six days so plan ahead and get your ballot in at least seven days before deadline. To play it safe just plan for ten days delivery time.

SUGGESTIONS FOR VOTING

Today, September 22nd is National Voter Registration Day. This is a good time to look up voting conditions in your area.

Request your ballot early! Vote early! Every vote counts!

In Idaho you have until October 9th to register to vote. Don’t wait. Register today!

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 across the country. With only six weeks until election day, now is the time to consider what voting looks like in your area. Use the resources below for help planning your vote. 

In Idaho any voter is allowed to request a ballot by mail. Absentee ballot requests are available in Idaho until October 23rd. There is no excuse needed to request an absentee ballot in Idaho.

The City of Boise will have ballot boxes that voters can drop their ballots off at and will have early voting at designated locations such as the City Hall.

Early and absentee ballot dates vary by county.

It is best to check with your State Secretary and with your county for up to date voter information. The links I have included below also provide voter information as well as ways we can come together to make our voices heard.

See if your state allows online voter registration. Use Turbo Vote to get registered to vote, to check on your voter registration, to apply for an absentee ballot or to update your address.

Prevent voter misinformation! Get signed up for text and email reminders about registration deadlines, upcoming elections and where to vote.

Does your state allow absentee ballots? If they do, do you have to make a special request for one? It is possible that your state has allowed for mail in voting because of the pandemic. 

Find out when you need to request your absentee ballot by based off of what state that you live in. Does your state allow you to accept your absentee ballot in person, through the mail or online?

Don’t forget to sign your ballot!

Find your polling place and apply to serve as an election worker through the National Association of State Election Directors.

Find out voter information here including registration deadlines and where to access the most up to date election information for your area.

Return your ballot at the post office or consider putting a stamp on the return envelope of your voters ballot. Priority Mail Express stamps offer the fastest delivery times.

See if you can drop your ballot off at your board of elections or at your polling place.

Cast your ballot early enough to allow for extra time for your ballot to be received or to be turned in.

If election drop boxes are available in your area use one, instead of dropping it off at the post office.

Call and write your legislators and request that they protect the United States Postal Service.

Safe Voting Now looks up your state and lets you send out a letter to your Secretary of State asking them to take measures so that we can have a safe, fair election.

Write a letter to the editor through Declaration for American Democracy talking about the need for voters rights and the upcoming election.

You can also sign this petition to let election officials know that you want every vote to be counted.

Sign this petition that Common Cause provides to ask Congress to include funding to support voting and the post office. Follow the above link and then go to Sign the Petition. 

Join Common Cause in the fight to end gerrymandering.

Help Common Cause, the National Urban League and the League of Women Voters of the United States in their ongoing lawsuits against Louis DeJoy and the United States Postal Service. Consider donating or volunteering to help them in their cause.

For more actions you can take sign up to be a part of the Save the US Postal Service campaign.

Review more detailed voting and registration rules in your state including who is allowed to vote, what you need to bring to vote, what will be on the ballot, where to find information about early voting, if your state offers same day voter registration and if your state requires your ballot to be postmarked by election or if the ballot is required to have been received by election day. 

Election Protection-

Call (866) OUR-VOTE to report if you think someone is being denied the right to vote, if there aren’t enough ballots or if a polling machine breaks. As well as anything else that you might notice that feels off when voting. This number can be used to identify polling locations and for absentee ballot information as well.