There is a LOT of noise surrounding vote by mail(vbm)/remote voting.  It’s important to note that racial disparities exist in the rejection rate of vbm ballots cast by people of color.  Also, the current shenanigans surrounding the USPS raise the level of distrust.  All of this argues for why areas that are trying to expand vbm, must have other ways to cast ballots, including utilizing dropboxes, expanding early voting, and in-person methods.  We need to increase opportunities to cast ballots, not limit them.

This week, I want to talk about voter registration.  In most states, voter registration closes 25-30 days before an election.  This year that means, in some states, October 4, 2020 is the last day to register.  You can go to www.vote.org to check registration deadlines.  This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic many voter registration outlets, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, was closed for several months. Additionally, other voter registration sites, such as libraries and social service agencies were closed.  In 2016, 33% of all registrations came from the DMV.  There are a few states (21) that allow you to register and vote on the same day, even through election day.  Here are a few websites where you can register to vote or check your registration:   https://www.whenweallvote.org/; https://www.spreadthevote.org/; https://www.vote.org/

If you’re not registered, you can’t vote.  Know before you go!!

As we count down to the election, we have important dates to keep in mind as we get closer to 11/3.  In fact, the election is not in less than 90 days.  In some states, it is less than 50 days away.  The election will begin as early as Friday, September 18, 2020, which is when early voting starts in Minnesota and South Dakota.  In Virginia, New Jersey, Michigan, and Wisconsin voting begin on Saturday, September 19, 2020.  You can find election dates and rules at https://www.vote.org/  There are three things that everyone should do:  1.  Register to vote or if you’re already registered, encourage or assist others; 2. Confirm your registration and your polling place, and 3. Know the various ways that you can cast a ballot and the deadlines.  I have a timeline on my website (click the VIP tab) and other resources at www.gildadaniels.com.

Registrations are low.  We need to act before the voter registration window closes.  for the 11/3 election.

By Kelly Mena and Janie Boschma, CNN (CNN) — Before his death, Rep. John Lewis wrote a final essay urging people to exercise their right to vote and keep fighting.”Voting and participating in the democrati

Source: 55 years after the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, advocates continue fight to close registration gap

Good for Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Source: Opinion | Iowa’s lifetime ban on felon voting gets tossed on history’s ash heap, finally – The Washington Post

Voter disenfranchisement is an American tradition – we look at the historical roots of civil death

Source: Civil death: how millions of Americans lost their right to vote | US news | The Guardian

Thursday marks the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Where the fight for ballot access goes next.

Source: A Look at Voting Issues On the Voting Rights Act’s 55th Anniversary | Chicago News | WTTW

twitter.com/civilrightsorg/status/1291508109933006848

This is important. We must have an accurate Census. Congress needs to act to ensure that this happens.

55 years after the Voting Rights Act was signed, advocates say a Supreme Court decision paved the way for the return of minority voter suppression.
— Read on www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/31/voting-rights-act-55th-anniversary-minority-voter-suppression-remains/5501963002/

Election officials throughout the country have expressed concerns about November elections due to all of the recent changes. Read more about those concerns here.

Years ago slavery abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, gave a speech entitled,”What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Click here to watch a powerful rendition of the descendants of Frederick Douglass reciting this powerful speech.

There is currently debates going on in the Senate about strengthening the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  The restoration of voting rights is needed to ensure that everyone truly has an opportunity to remain civically engaged in our democracy. Read more about it here.