National Voter Registration Mean solar day 2021

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Voting provides Americans with a vocalisation and the right to vote is central to who we are as a Nation. Today is National Voter Registration Day, a day to cheque your voter registration and encourage others to practise the same. In order for our democracy to work, we must exercise our right to vote which starts with making certain nosotros are are registered to vote.

Moving, getting married, irresolute your name, or wanting to change your party affiliation are a few of the reasons why information technology'southward important to check your condition and reregister to vote. Visit MASA's voter registration page and have a minute to check your voter registration or to register to vote.

Don't forget to assist friends, family, loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, etc to also check their registrations or to register to vote besides, so nosotros can make sure anybody is fix to brand their voices heard for the adjacent ballot!

Voting in the California Gubernatorial Recall Election

California volition exist holding a special election in September asking voters if they want to remove the current Governor from office. Any California registered voter may vote in this election and volition be mailed a vote-by-post ballot for the remember election.

Voters volition be asked ii questions:

  1. Do you want to remove the Governor?

  2. If the recall is approved, who should replace him?

If more than 50% of voters answer yeah to question one, then whoever gets the almost votes in question ii will win - even without a majority. If fifty% or more voters vote "no" on the showtime question, so the recall has failed and the Governor will remain in function.

Learn more about what's at stake in this election and a total breakup on how recall elections work via Cal Matters' California Think Election Explainer guide.

Y'all tin vote in person on September 14th, but the easiest and safest way to return your ballot is by mail (no postage stamp required) or at any secure Election Drop Box in your community. You can track your election to make sure it is received and counted by using BallotTrax.

To check your voter registration condition, go to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov . If y'all demand to update your voter registration or find out if you are eligible to register to vote, you tin visit our California Online Voter Registration page at registertovote.ca.gov .

Local elections affair because they can direct touch on your community and future legislations, so brand certain y'all cast your ballot and make your vocalism heard!

Important Dates for the 2022 California Recall Election

The 2022 California gubernatorial retrieve election is an upcoming special election on whether to recollect Governor Gavin Newsom. The special election is scheduled to be held on September 14, 2022 and every voter volition be receiving a postal service in election past August sixteen, 2021.

Here are some other dates to keep in mind:

  • August 16: Early voting begins and registered voters receive ballots via post

  • Baronial 17: Mail-in ballot drop-off locations open through Sept. 14

  • August thirty: Voter registration deadline (you lot can yet annals using a same day registration bill of fare at your polling place upwardly to / on election day)

  • September fourteen: Ballot Twenty-four hours

Be certain to sign up for BallotTrax so yous tin track your ballot to know when information technology's mailed, received, and counted!

For more ballot information, visit LA Vote and make a plan to make your voice heard!

Boosted resources:

CalMatters - How to Vote in California's Ballot

CA Secretory of State - Recall Election Frequently Asked Questions

Ballotpedia - Information nearly the special election

Assist Asian Americans Fight Anti-Asian Racism

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Violence against Asians is unacceptable. Gender-based violence is unacceptable. Nosotros stand in solidarity with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and denounce the ongoing racism and violence against them.

From March 2022 - February 2021, there accept been 3,795 reported anti-asian hate incidents and a majority of these (64%) are reported past women.

Nosotros cannot stay silent and must have activity against all racism. The increased acts of hate and violence confronting AAPIs and more than recently towards Asian Women take no place in America.

Beneath is a list of resource and organizations you tin can donate to support the fight to #StopAsianHate.

Report crimes:

  • stopaapihate.com

  • standagainsthatred.org

Mental Wellness:

  • Calhope Emotional Support Hotline: (833) 317-Hope

  • SAMHSA National Hotline: 1-800-662-Assist

  • Crisis Line: i-800-273-TALK

  • Asian Mental Health Commonage

Donate:

  • Gofundme.com/aapi

  • Advancingjustice-atlanta.org/donate

  • Gofundme.com/support-the-cause-against-anti-asian-violence

Black History Month

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Blackness History Calendar month is an annual commemoration of Black achievements and contributions to society. As we keep the fight for racial justice, we must commemorate Black history.

Here are 3 easy ways you tin can celebrate Black History Month non only this calendar month but all year long:

1. Educate yourself by reading books and watching tv-series and movies well-nigh Black history

ii. Promote and back up Black businesses and creators

3. Engage with and donate to organizations that support Blackness communities and build Black political power such as the NAACP, Colour of Change, Black Futures Lab, and Move Voter Projects

For more recommendations, lists, resource and information, visit our Anti-Racism Resources folio HERE.

MASA FOUNDERS DECLARE ELECTION DAY A HOLIDAY FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES

Make America Smart Again'south founders, Shepard and Amanda Fairey take declared Election Day (11/3/20) as a paid holiday for all their employees to take the fourth dimension to vote and to help others vote! We promise this inspires other companies to do the same and to honor Election Twenty-four hour period as an important vacation.

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"This yr has shown us the importance of civic engagement in a way that many of us, young and quondam, have non experienced earlier. The stakes are incredibly high for 2020, simply my philosophy for activity for elections and really every twenty-four hour period remain the same. As citizens and as business owners, my wife and I have long emphasized the need for everyone to take the ability to vote.

Before this year, we joined Fourth dimension To Vote, an initiative kicked off by executives at Patagonia. Time to Vote is a nonpartisan, business organization-led initiative to help ensure employees across America don't accept to choose between voting and earning a paycheck. Nosotros've always immune for flexible schedules on Ballot Twenty-four hour period, but this year we took the more considerable pace to make November 3, 2020, a day off for our staff. Every ballot, our team will have the ability to vote with flexible schedules, and every presidential election, nosotros volition be providing the much-needed solar day off.

Peradventure someday, the government will grab on and realize the importance of making this a federal holiday for all so that our citizenry can use their phonation and practise their civic duty for democracy without having to compromise their livelihood."


-Shepard and Amanda Fairey, Founders of Make America Smart Again

Voting on Nov. 3rd During A Pandemic

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Election Day is less than a week abroad and millions have already voted past post or have bandage their ballots early at open voting centers. Not only is this one of the near consequential elections of our lives, just it is also an election that is happening during a global health crisis.

Voting past mail or dropping off your ballot at a dropbox are the safest voting options, but if y'all determine to cast your ballot in person on Nov. 3rd, here are some tips and precautions to aid you and others around you on Election Mean solar day remain safe and healthy!

  1. Habiliment a mask and maintain at to the lowest degree 6 feet of social distance from other voters and poll workers.

  2. Bring and use manus sanitizer often, especially after using voting machines.

  3. Bring your own black pen or a stylus.

  4. Endeavor to show up during off-height times and avoid the terminate-of-the-24-hour interval rush if you can.

  5. Avoid delays by verifying your voter info and having any necessary registration forms ready.

  6. Review and fill up out a sample ballot in advance (which you can practise here) to bring with you lot so yous can vote and get out quickly.

  7. Keep in mind that lines will look longer because of social distancing, but don't be discouraged and stay in line! You'll still be able to vote even after the polls close!

For additional guidance, the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention has issued special COVID-19 prophylactic recommendations for voters which includes information near changes to operations, procedures, and facilities for polling locations.

Brand your voice heard on Election Mean solar day, merely also stay safe and salubrious!

Prep Your Voter Checklist And then You're Ready to Make Your Vocalisation Heard!

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Election Mean solar day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, only millions of Americans have already cast their ballots early in this crucial election. Whether yous are voting by mail or in-person, it's of import to brand a checklist to make sure you're gear up to make your voice heard!

If you're voting by mail:

  1. Do your research on the candidates and problems on your election.

  2. Follow the mail-in ballot instructions. (Cheque out our post about tips to brand sure your ballot doesn't get disqualified Hither).

  3. Sign the envelope with your signature that matches your state I.D. in the correct ink color

  4. Mail back your election early or drop it off at an official drib-off location.

  5. Sign up to track your ballot if that is available in your land!

If you're voting in person:

  1. Look up your state'south early on voting rules and decide when y'all'll be going to the polls.

  2. Check if you need an ID to vote in your state

  3. Look up your polling place location and hours.

  4. Know your voting rights in instance you lot come across any issues. (Check out our mail service most voter intimidation and voting rights HERE).

  5. Exercise your research on the candidates and bug and fill out a sample election to bring with you to reference.

  6. Be safe! Wear a mask, carry hand sanitizer, and go along at a safe distance from other voters and poll workers.

10 Tips to Brand Sure Your Mail service-In Vote Counts!

If yous are able to vote by mail this yr, brand sure you lot take your time, read the instructions carefully, and render your ballot correctly to make sure it gets counted!

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Here are 10 tips to follow to make sure your election doesn't go butterfingers:

  1. Use the correct color ink when filling out your ballot.

  2. Avoid smudges, mismarked bubbles, or filling out your ballot on a wet surface.

  3. Don't forget to sign your envelope!

  4. Brand sure your signature matches the signature that is on your land I.D.

  5. Write the consummate date in the right format.

  6. Check if your state requires a witness signature, additional identification, or other documentation.

  7. Return your ballot as early on equally possible by postal service or at an in-person drop off location

  8. If you choose to render your ballot at an in-person drop off location, brand certain it's an official drop off vessel!

  9. Check your selfie! It's illegal in some states to mail service a photo of yourself with your completed election. Why don't you stick to posting your 'I Voted" sticker instead.

  10. Share these tips with friends and family unit to ensure their votes get counted too considering every vote matters!

Know Your Voting Rights!

Voter intimidation is any endeavor to preclude an eligible voter from voting or forcing them to vote a certain mode.

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If you decide to vote in person and are experiencing whatsoever issues, you can call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) and someone can help you with the following:

  • Bank check your voter registration

  • Help you find your polling place or where to return your ballot

  • Study suspected voter suppression

Other voting rights you lot should know include:

  • If the polls shut while you are in line, stay in line because you tin can yet cast your vote.

  • If you lot make an fault on your ballot, you take the right to request a new one.

  • If you are not on the listing of registered voters, request a conditional ballot

  • If you are a voter with a disability, all polling places must be accessible

  • If you are a voter with a disability or have trouble with English, you have the right to receive in-person assistance from a person of your selection

  • You take the right to bandage your vote in private

For more information and to learn more than virtually how to exercise your voting rights and resist voter intimidation efforts at the polls, visit the ACLU's resource page HERE.

(Source: ACLU)

Resources to make an informed vote!

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In addition to the presidential ballot, there will be numerous other candidates and propositions on your ballot. Some of these local issues can directly affect you lot and your community greatly so it'south of import to acquire what you are voting for or against. Whether you decide to vote past mail or in person, it's important to do your own research on what's on your election before y'all cast your vote.

Here's a list of resources where you tin can enter your location to explore what volition be on your personal election:

  • Election Ready

  • Vote 411

  • Ballotpedia

You tin can use these resources to observe backgrounders on every candidate and referendum. This volition allow you to compare candidates' experiences, understand their stances on sure bug, and get pros and cons for the various propositions and referendums. Use this information to ready your sample ballot and so that voting is a breeze when you're ready to submit the existent thing!

Make Sure Your Vote Counts in Your State!

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Virtually U.South. states offer a vote past postal service option so that you can safely make sure your voice is heard in the upcoming ballot. One time you ostend that your land allows this, here are the steps you should take to ensure your vote is counted!

  1. Request your ballot. Bank check your state's rules on how to do this.

  2. Make full out your ballot and make sure you lot follow instructions carefully! Utilize the correct ink color and sign your envelope using the same signature that's on your ID.

  3. Return your ballot. You can submit it by mail, at a secure drop-off location, or at your polling place. Check your county's ballot site to know about your options.

  4. Help your friends and family unit. Let'southward ensure that all of their voices are heard also!

If yous still take questions, y'all can telephone call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683 for assist.

Democracy only works when nosotros all participate so make certain you're registered and ready to VOTE!

General Election Guidelines for California Voters

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Below are Important dates for California voters:

  • Oct. v - Vote-by-mail ballots are mailed to all registered voters and early voting begins!

  • October. 19 - Last day to register to vote, both online and via mail.

  • Oct. 27 - Concluding twenty-four hours to request vote-by-mail ballot

  • Nov. three - Concluding day to return ballot, postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 20

  • November. iii - Ballot 24-hour interval! Polls open at 7am and shut at 8pm

Registered voters in California will automatically be mailed a ballot starting on Monday, October. 5. People can still go vote in person on Election 24-hour interval, just the safest way to participate in the election is to Vote By Mail.

Here are the options on how you can ensure your vote counts:

  • Post IT Back: Make sure you follow all of the instructions before you mail your completed election dorsum! As well, it must exist postmarked by Election Twenty-four hour period, Nov iii, and received by Nov 20.

  • Render It IN-PERSON: Render your completed election in-person to aballot drop box or an in-person voting location by 8pm on Election Mean solar day, November 3.

  • VOTE IN PERSON: Become vote in person at your polling place on Election Day, November 3, from 7am to 8pm. Some counties may have multiple polling places you can choose from. Also make sure you read upwardly on health precautions and so that you can make sure yous cast your vote safely.

Depending on your county, you may be able to vote early in person. Contact your canton elections office for more than information. Remember that if you encounter whatever problems voting, call 866-OUR-VOTE.

Additionally, The California Secretary of State is now offeringWhere's My Ballot?—a new way for voters to track and receive notifications on the condition of their vote-past-mail election and then y'all tin tracking your vote-by-mail ballot—when information technology is mailed, received, and counted!

Sign-up atWheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications to where your election is, and its status, every stride of the fashion!

If you don't live in California, make sure to apply Make America Smart Again's resources to inquiry voting options in your expanse and find out about important deadline dates and procedures to gear up your own voting programme to brand sure you can likewise exercise your correct to vote in the upcoming ballot!

Annals to Vote and Make a Voting Plan on National Voter Registration Day!

National voter registration day is a reminder for united states to non but make certain we're registered to vote, merely also start creating our voting plan as election day is simply around the corner!

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With the ongoing public health crisis and lots of data (and some misinformation) nearly voting options going effectually, it's extremely of import to be fix with a clear voting plan so that you can participate in republic and make sure your vote counts!

Nosotros've gear up a checklist and some resources below that will assist yous become your voting plan together:

  1. MAKE Sure YOU'RE REGISTERED TO VOTE.

    Go to MASA's voter registration page to check your voter status. If you aren't registered, yous tin can use the tool on the same page to register today. Take a moment today to also make sure all of your family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers know how to do this too. Every voter matter and counts!

  2. Make up one's mind IF Yous Volition VOTE IN PERSON OR By Mail service

    Due to the global pandemic, voting by mail is the safest choice for many in this ballot. All the same, in-person voting is also still an option for all.

    Find out how your vote-by-mail options and borderline dates to request your ballot on MASA'due south Voting Options page. You can even request your absentee ballot there as well!

    Or you lot can visit these sites to find more detailed voter info by state:

    -State Election Sites

    -ACLU

    -Rock the Vote

    -Vote 411

  3. CHECK YOUR DEADLINES

    Research and mark all of the important borderline dates for your state or territory. If you are voting by mail, prepare a date in your calendar to cast your ballot earlier then. Call back: the earlier, the meliorate!

  4. KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS

    If yous determine to vote in person, make sure you know how to exercise your voting rights. This includes knowing how to resist voter intimidation efforts, access disability-related accommodations, employer'due south policies for taking fourth dimension off to vote, linguistic communication assistance at the polls, etc.

    Learn more about your voting rights from the ACLU.

  5. BE INFORMED AND VOTE SMART

    Do the research on the candidates and issues that will be on your expanse's election. You can utilize sites like Ballot Ready to get candidates' backgrounds, feel, platforms, and also information on measures and propositions that are important to know almost as they can directly affect your community.

After you lot brand your voting plan, make sure to help others with theirs! It is crucial for all Americans to participate in democracy by using their correct to vote and to MAKE AMERICA SMART Over again!

Artists Band Together to Get Out the Vote

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Throughout history, artists take proven their unique ability to awaken, claiming and inspire united states of america. MASA'south co-founder, Shepard Fairey and fourteen other world-renowned artists have united for ARTISTS Band TOGETHER - a coalition of similar-minded citizen advocates dedicated to the principals of democracy. These express-edition bandanas were designed to inspire voter turnout this November, and symbolize the importance of democratic values. 100% of gain go to voter registration organizations Rise, Mijente & Woke Vote!⁠

Artists Ring Together bandanas designed past Shepard Fairey, Marilyn Minter, Barbara Kruger, Xavier Schipani, Christina Lord's day Kim, Alex Israel, Victoria Cassinova, Umar Rashid, Merritt Johnson, Hank Willis Thomas, Luchita Hurtado, Juliana Huxtable, Ririkrit Tiravanija, Christina Quarles, and Jenny Holzer are available At present through Nov 1st at eBay for Clemency.

"⁠I believe in the Artists Ring Together project because I think we all can make the country better, and that art and the humanitarian spirit of artists tin play a valuable role in doing then. This project embraces the principles of republic, by making fine art accessible through the bandanas while also providing support to the grassroots voting initiatives from the organizations benefitting from the profits - Rise, Mijente, and Woke Vote!⁠ The caliber of artists involved is inspiring, and I believe in the story behind each piece of work of fine art. I remember that everyone from collectors to activists will be embracing these equally collectible symbols of democracy at this historic moment. Thanks to the Artists Band Together curators Amanda Fairey, Jill Goldman, Nora Halpern, Asti Hustvedt, and Victoria Kennedy, and special thank you to Elizabeth Cho, eBay for Charity, Matchfire, Maxwell Lubin, Holly Trevino, and Victoria Yarnish. Thanks for caring!⁠"

-Shepard Fairey

Purchase your Artist Band Together bandana Here and get out the vote in November!

100 Years of Women's Suffrage

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Today marks the 100th ceremony of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which granted women the constitutional correct to vote. On August, 18, 1920, approximately 27 meg women became eligible to vote, which was the largest increase in potential voters in American history. Allowing women the right to vote was significant as it also paved the path for equal rights for women and inspired future activist movements to fight for reform in the country. However, while the 19th amendment was momentous, we must not forget that it did non grant the right to all women in the United States until Congress'southward passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In commemorating the 100th anniversary, we must award the suffragettes and their decades-long fight to accomplish this celebrated milestone and continue the battle for equality for all today. As we prepare for the upcoming U.S. presidential and local election in November, it is important to recognize the power and privilege of our vote every bit and so many have fought for decades for this right. Voting is ane of our virtually fundamental tools to shape our communities, the country, and futurity generations, we se must honour this milestone by making sure every voter has a hazard to be heard.

55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

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On Aug. 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Deed, a landmark piece of federal legislation that expanded access to the ballot box past prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.

Voting rights, like our democracy equally a whole, is something we cannot take for granted.

This historic piece of legislation was championed past the late Civil Rights activist, Representative John Lewis. Nosotros must award his legacy by urging our lawmakers to protect our right to vote and ensure every eligible voter has a off-white opportunity to make their voice heard.

Permit'due south also celebrate the 55 year anniversary of one of the most effective pieces of federal civil rights legislation always enacted in the country by making certain we are registered and ready to vote in November!

Learn more near the Voting Rights Act and get resources on protecting your right to vote from Rock the Vote here: How Rock the Vote is Commemorating the Ceremony of the Voting Rights Act

Larn more than about John Lewis and his fight for voting rights past watching the new pic John Lewis: Proficient Problem

100 Days Until Election Day!

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We are officially only 100 days abroad from the election. In order to exist ready to vote on Nov. three, here are a few things you can do:

  1. Make certain you're registered to vote. Y'all tin can do this chop-chop and easily by visiting Make America Smart Once more'south voter registration page!

  2. Request your absentee ballot if you don't plan to vote in person at a polling place on November. 3.

  3. Research what will be on your ballot. Recollect, local elections are important and can make a groovy impact inside your customs.

  4. Know your voting rights.

  5. Tell every eligible voter yous know why it's so important to vote and make sure they are registered too!

Every vote counts, then be informed and get ready to brand your vocalization heard on November. iii!

Pre-register to vote before yous turn 18

Did you know that some states allow people under the age of eighteen to pre-register to vote, so in one case they plough eighteen, their registration will automatically get active?

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This is extremely important peculiarly since four million teens will be turning 18 earlier the ballot, which will be a lot of new voices that volition get to be heard for the first time!

In California, online pre-registration is now available for eligible 16 and 17-year-olds past visiting registertovote.ca.gov. However, each land varies in their preregistration rules and then it'due south always important to bank check your state's official election website for the most updated data.

The youth vote is powerful, so if you know someone that will exist an eligible voter prior to the election, make sure they are preregistered to vote and they are prepare to make their vote count on November. iii!

Black Lives Thing. Your Vote Matters.

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"Make America Smart Once more stands in solidarity with those who seek justice for the Black customs. The earth is now listening: each of u.s. must speak upward, your vocalism matters, your vote matters.

If we want to bring in real change, not merely exercise we have to protest, nosotros accept to go out there and vote. Please call up that the real motility of these issues happens at the polls. Yous have the ability to brand changes in our system of government, both local and national, by understanding who and what y'all are voting for. We must cast our ballots to brand certain that we elect candidates who are advocates for equality and criminal justice - leaders who volition act on reform.

Spread the word to your friends, loved ones, and your community members and tell them to annals to vote. Don't allow anything or anyone tell yous otherwise, YOUR VOTE MATTERS!"

-Shepard Fairey, Co-Founder of Make America Smart Again

Information technology'southward important to take action, speak up, donate, and educate. Below are some organizations yous can support and get more resources from:

Blackness Lives Matter

Movement for Black Lives

Equal Justice Initiative

ACLU

Innocence Project

NAACP