Ally Action Project Week 12: Prepare to Vote

Voting is the most powerful way that we can be allies and fix systematic racism. We aim to elect antiracists, individuals or parties that match our ideals, and policies that no longer oppress people groups. This week, we were working on preparedness for the upcoming elections and making sure that we are ready to vote.

One action that we can all take is to verify our voter registration ahead to make sure that there is no question on our ability to vote.

This year has been difficult for voting with the ongoing pandemic, so our second action is to create out plan to take into account reduced polling stations, reduced staff, and longer lines.

Absentee ballots and voting by mail have been possible solutions to voting during the pandemic, but each state has different laws and procedures. 9 states and D.C. will send ballots to registered voters. Another 35 states will allow registered voters to vote by mail. 6 states require an excuse to vote by mail. Our third action is to familiarize ourselves how voting by mail will work in our state, and to request an absentee ballot if needed.

Our fourth action this week is to understand our specific ballot and candidate positions. Along with presidential and congressional elections, there are policies that will be on the ballots that we need to be aware of and have an opinion on. Something like a school bond that can help a redlined district, removing a Confederate statue, or a redistricting policy to include citizens in the process are all policies that we can view as opportunities for equality.

Finally, our fifth action is to vote for antiracist policies and candidates!