We’re at t-minus 78 days until the election and I, for one, will be doing everything I possibly can to get as many people out there to vote. Whether it’s wearing a VOTE sweatshirt so someone at Trader Joe’s remembers to register, sharing resources on Instagram, or volunteering to make phone calls, this is going to be a big fall focus for me.

And I hope you’ll join me in one way or another! I’m sure many of you have seen this stat, but in the 2016 election, approximately 40% of eligible voters didn’t vote. A casual 100 million people. Every vote matters this year. Your vote matters.

This is probably the most important presidential election of our lifetime and our lives and future depend quite literally on the outcome.

Instead of letting my anxiety about the election takeover, I want to channel it into making some sort of impact, even if it means getting 100 young people to hit the polls.

So I’m starting by sharing some resources here today.

Voting Resources

How to vote by mail: My friend Jess wrote a comprehensive article on how to vote by mail that I found extremely helpful. She also wrote a great post back in 2016 about how to become an informed voter.

Vote Save America: Check out Vote Save America to get even more information on how to vote by mail and how to register to vote in your state. You can also find volunteer and donation opportunities state by state. This site is easy to navigate and clearly spells out step by step instructions and FAQs for lots of voting topics.

Vote.org is a similar resource where you can also find your local polling location.

Vote 411 includes phone numbers to call on election day if you have problems voting and will give you details about what you’re voting for on your local ballot. Check it out.

Help fight voter suppression: Common Cause is an organization that works to expand voting rights, combat gerrymandering, and makes sure everyone has access to the ballot box during the pandemic.

2020 Election Guide: Stay up-to-date on election news here.

When We All Vote: Michelle Obama, Lin Manuel Miranda, Kerry Washington and other celebs chair When We All Vote, “a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that is on a mission to increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap by changing the culture around voting, harnessing grassroots energy, and through strategic partnerships to reach every American.”

Five Thirty Eight: They’re voting guide by state is visually easy to navigate and is updated often.

Support the USPS: In the time of COVID, voting via mail is obviously more important than ever. This article outlines ways you can support the US Postal Service right now. It can be as easy as buying stamps.

And if you text the word USPS to the number 50409, you’ll get texts to follow prompts to enter your name and address, which will then deliver your signed petition to your local elected officials based on your address.

Voting Gear

It might seem silly but declaring your intention to vote might inspire someone else to do the same.

Remind people to vote with You can click on any of the images above to shop, but I wanted to call out a few favorites too.

Phenomenal Voter sweatshirt: A friend of mine bought me a Phenomenal Woman tee for my birthday. At first, I thought it was just a very nice compliment, but when I looked up the brand I was very happy to learn more about The Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign that works to bring awareness to many important social causes.

The Phenomenal Voter sweatshirt looks quite comfy too.

Some more awesome pieces from them: Justice for Breonna tee, Phenomenal Teacher tee, Phenomenal Mother tee (great future Mother’s Day gift), and Phenomenal Immigrant.

Ubuntu Life bracelet: I admittedly discovered this brand from an Instagram ad. I know I know but hear me out! Read their mission and tell me you don’t want to support this company. I bought a vote bracelet for myself and a friend the other day.

Tory Burch Vote tee: 100% of net proceeds will benefit Eighteen x 18.

Affordable tee: Spend $17 and spread the word with this shirt that comes in 7 colors.

So buy a shirt if you want, but whatever you do, please register to vote. Please remind all of your friends and family to register to vote. And let me know if I missed anything!