Friday, October 30, 2020
by Joaquin Beltran

This is the most unique election in our lifetimes

Here is why

In the United States alone, almost a quarter million people have died of COVID and we are nearing 10,000,000 cases. We have recently broken records for daily new cases and every day the numbers are growing quickly. People have lost loved ones, often without being in the same room with them because the disease is so contagious. People have lost their jobs while small businesses have closed, people are being evicted from their homes, and many who have contracted COVID are left to deal with the lingering long-term effects of the damage it has done to their body. The amount of health and economic struggles experienced by so many Americans at this moment has not been felt at this scale in most of our lifetimes. Yet, with all these challenges -and largely motivated by them- Americans are voting in record numbers before Election Day.

Many people are fired up, passionate, and ready to make their voices heard yet half of eligible voters actually vote in presidential elections.
Why is that?

There are challenges that are clearly systemic and that create more barriers than should exist like voter registration and complicated voting laws that disenfranchise many voters, and this is something that government reform activists are continuing to work on to be more democratic and accessible. There is also a human experience element to the level of civic engagement in our country. During some elections the choice is easy; we find candidates that align with our values, they say the things we believe in, and have a track record that shows their integrity. There are other times when it is much more difficult, you'll hear ideas or, maybe you've even said things like, "we are choosing the lesser of two evils," "my vote doesn't matter," or "they're all the same."

Getting involved is the leap of faith that shows you that change is possible.

For every person, the election is different and they view it differently because of their experiences in life, their experiences with the government, what they watch on the news, or what they're hearing from their friends. And it's hard to say to those people that they're wrong because there may be legitimate reasons why they feel that way. I too have experienced those feelings before I became involved in my community and politics, and completely understand the legitimacy of that perspective. But I will tell you that getting involved is the leap of faith that shows you that change is possible. Getting involved shows you that you can influence the challenges and opportunities in your life, in your community, and for those that will come after us. Voting is the simplest and most effective act we can do to accelerate change. The outcomes aren't always linear, and sometimes it feels like we take two steps forward and one step back, but if we keep taking action and making our voices heard, we keep getting closer to a better world.

While the safest way to vote is by mail, there is a risk that it may be rejected as is currently the case in many states right now. Here are some ways to vote safely while making sure your vote is counted.

1. Vote early if possible and have your ballot prepared to drop off at official dropbox or early voting locations to avoid crowds and long lines,

2. Wear a mask, goggles, and stay at least 6ft apart while in line.

3. Decide on your ballot ahead of time to reduce time inside a building.

4. Try to avoid long conversations as this can increase virus in the air.

5. Dress for the weather so you are comfortable while waiting in line.

During the most unique election in our lifetimes I wish there were so many things that were different. I wish there wasn't a pandemic. I wish we had contained the virus immediately as they've done in other democracies. I wish we were able to see loved ones without the fear of getting each other sick. But there is one powerful tool to influence our future we don't have to wish for and we can do right now.

We vote. 

Written by Joaquin Beltran, Creator of Speak Up America
Get your polling location at https://gospeakupamerica.com/vote