(Originally published as my Mombian newspaper column.) As a queer person and a Jew, the past few weeks have been very scary for me. The massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, motivated by anti-Semitism and anti-immigrant hate; news that the Trump administration is considering wiping out recognition and protections of transgender people under federal law by rigidly defining gender—these are only the latest in a litany of hateful and harmful events in our country.
This is not a time to despair, however, even though despair may be trying to peek in our windows. This is a time for action—and the best action we can take right now is to vote and enable others to vote as well.
Here’s a parent-focused list of ways to make this election season work for us.
- Look up your polling place, its hours, and what you need to bring—or have your kids do so for you if they’re old enough. It’s a good way to involve them in the process. Vote.org is a good one-stop shop for voting information across the U.S., or you can do an online search for “voting [state name]” for more details about your specific state of residence.
- Make sure you’re registered. Even if you think you are, there have been lots of news stories about voters being purged from the voting rolls without notice, so it never hurts to check. You can do this at Vote.org, too.
- Look up your ballot questions. Ballotpedia.org has information on the ballot measures in every state, or you can go to your state-specific site as above. Write yourself a cheat sheet, if needed, indicating how you intend to vote on each one.
- Vote early. Many places allow early voting, making it easier to fit voting in to a busy schedule. I’ve also always found the lines are shorter on early voting days than on Election Day, meaning it’s easier and faster to get in and get out. Note that some states stop early voting several days before Election Day, so make sure to look up the schedule.
- Alternatively, get an absentee ballot if you are worried about your kids’ basketball practice or other activity running over or otherwise not being able to make it to the polls on Election Day. Make sure it has the right amount of postage before sending—some require extra.
- Regardless of how you cast your ballot, double check your selections. If your state uses paper ballots, make sure to check both sides of the paper.
- If any of your children are over 18, make sure they do the above, too. Be the annoying parent they’ve always said you are and remind them.
If you are voting on Election Day:
- Decide what time you will vote, preferably well before the polls close. Put it on your calendar or task list. Set a reminder if you use an electronic calendar. If you’re feeling adventurous, put it on your kids’ calendars as well, and ask them to remind you. Offer a prize for the most creative reminder. (“VOTE” spelled out in breakfast cereal on the table? An American flag costume on your pet?) Note that rideshare services Lyft and Uber are both offering discounted rides on Election Day.
- If there’s a chance you won’t be able to go at your preferred time (e.g., if there could be a crisis at work or your kid misses the bus or you get stuck in traffic), pick a backup time so you won’t have to re-strategize at the last minute.
- If you are turned away at the polls for any reason (e.g., not being registered or not having ID, if needed), know that you have the right to ask for a provisional ballot. Request a receipt so that you may follow up to see if it was counted.
- If you are bringing your kids—because it’s always good to teach them what a participatory democracy is all about—make sure to bring things to entertain them while you wait in line. One suggestion for younger children: Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights
, a new picture book by Rob Sanders, with illustrations by Jared Andrew Schorr, that takes readers on an alphabetically-themed journey through actions and concepts (including voting) for making a difference in the world. The queer-inclusive images show us a multi-racial, multicultural, multi-gender, varied-ability, all-ages world of people mobilizing in their homes and communities.
- Ask friends when they plan to vote. Offer to share a ride or walk together if it’s convenient. If you have already voted, offer to drive friends or neighbors who may need help getting to the polls. The motivation of going with someone else may help you both get there—and if they have kids, too, the kids can entertain each other in line or the older ones can watch the younger.
As 2016 so clearly showed, election results are never guaranteed—but that’s all the more reason to vote. Every election is critical, but this year feels more so than ever. Don’t miss your chance to help make a difference. Vote for yourself. Vote for your children and the rest of your family, however you define them. Vote for all families. Vote for our country, which still has much good in it. Vote so the good has a chance to shine.