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.

Juneteenth has served as the commemoration of the day when some of the last of the enslaved finally learned of their freedom in 1865. In 1865, two years had passed since the Emancipation Proclamation, and slaves were deemed “legally” free. Amid a global pandemic and weeks of protest calling for racial equality, Juneteenth is being recognized by more states and by an array of companies than it ever has been before. View pictures and read about the nationwide Juneteenth celebrations here.