Early voting for the November general election is beginning as early as next week in some states. The majority of Americans are eligible to vote early without an excuse. Early voting can fit into any schedule and is a great option to ensure that all citizens can participate in our democracy. 

The availability and dates for early voting vary by state. Below are the start dates for early voting in the states where it is provided. You can use the tool at https://www.vote411.org/search-by-topic to find more information about early voting in your state (just select your state and the topic “early voting”). As always, it’s best to double-check with your state for any recent changes to early voting. 

Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Early_voting_dates,_2024

We all know that this is a presidential election year. However, it’s important to vote for every office and issue on the ballot, not just the president. In voting rights spaces, we refer to the practice of completing your entire ballot as “down-ballot” voting. 

Down-ballot voting especially impacts local elections. Local elections, in turn, impact our daily lives. For example, local governments play a significant role in everything from roads to schools to transportation to policing. Why give up the power to influence these important issues? 

In order to show up prepared to vote for every office and issue on your ballot, do your research before you arrive at the polls! Here are a few resources you can use to educate yourself on local candidates and issues:

1. Review a sample ballot at Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page
2. Check your local news for information about candidates 
3. Use the ballot guide mailed to you by local and state voting officials

Let’s use our voting power to its fullest extent! Defending democracy is 365/24/7. 

We need to talk about the disinformation campaigns attempting to influence the November election and their targeted interest in Black and Brown voters.   

Earlier this month, the DOJ charged two Russian state media employees in an attempt to push back against Russia’s efforts to influence our presidential election. Russian disinformation tactics have included fake websites designed to look like authentic U.S. news outlets and AI-generated social media profiles, among other methods. 

A disturbing amount of disinformation is aimed specifically at Black and Brown voters. A recent report by Onyx Impact found that more than 40 million Americans in Black online spaces may have been given disinformation about the upcoming election. This is not a new tactic. Disinformation was used during Reconstruction in efforts to prevent Black voters from participating in elections.  

Disinformation campaigns aim to undermine our democracy and diminish our political power. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent this:

• Always check your source
• Use fact-checking resources, such as https://www.factcheck.org and https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/ 
• Be aware of divisive content

We must stay vigilant! Defending democracy is 365/24/7. 

Voting rights are on the ballot again this election. Throughout our nation’s history, it has always been a fight to afford all citizens the right to participate in our democracy. It is critical that our communities are registered to vote in this important election so that we can continue to fight for our right to vote. 

You can register to vote or update your registration here: www.vote.gov

You can find and contact your local election office for help with registering here: www.usa.gov/state-election-office

You can find the voter registration deadlines for your state here: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/

For individuals who were previously convicted of a felony, don’t assume that you can’t vote! Instead, use this link to find out if you are eligible to vote: https://campaignlegal.org/restoreyourvote

Let’s get registered – defending democracy is 24/7/365!

No comprehensive data exist on charges or punishments in voting-related cases, whether they’re related to attempting to register or vote when someone isn’t allowed to, voting twice or voting under a false name. But a number of high-profile cases lately have involved harsh punishment of women of color, particularly Black women like Mason. They come as some Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, attempt to spread unfounded fears of widespread voter fraud and scapegoat people of color. Voting rights advocates and experts worry that this focus on voter fraud prosecutions could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.  

“This is all part of the cycle of voter suppression,” said Gilda Daniels, law professor and author of “Uncounted: The Crisis of Voter Suppression in America.” “We had high turnout in 2020, and instead of passing laws that increase or even celebrate turnout, there’s this onslaught of legislative activity that questions outcomes and creates new laws that criminalize voting.”