Be the boss. Vote.
Getting non-voters or occasional voters to vote in the Midterm Election this time might feel impossible, but maybe it isn’t. And we have to try, right?
Art by Kelly Birch
Be the boss, vote.
We started using that hashtag to remind people what it means when you vote.
If you live in New Jersey and have heard Senator Troy Singleton speak, you’ve probably heard him call voters his bosses, and he’s right. A Republican Legislator, on an episode of the podcast, Politics on Tap, admitted that people tend to be better represented when they show up and vote. Votes are an affirmation that he is doing what his constituency wants. He went on to say he would like to represent everyone in his district, but he can’t know someone’s priorities if they don’t tell him, either with their vote or their voice.
In a nutshell, the folks who vote will always be a priority to elected officials who want to stay elected.
P2V Graphic by Kelly Birch
When folks say they don’t do politics, it isn’t hard to find a reason for them to reconsider.
But a lot of people don’t make the connection between their lives and government. They don’t know who is responsible for what, and they don’t realize government has resources that can help.
“When people don’t know and don’t vote, things can change. The recent cut in SNAP benefits is a great example. I’ve wondered how many SNAP recipients don’t do politics.
Not a criticism, a goal: show people where benefits come from, who can impact the program, and point them to the voting booth.
I honestly believe ‘I don’t do politics,’ has more to do with avoiding vitriol than disinterest, and who can blame them? It’s worth a conversation. People can’t know what they don’t know. And if they don’t know, why would they vote?” Nancy Youngkin, Founder
Hot Tip: The Gov’t Roles drop-down on our main menu has in-a-nutshell “job descriptions” and responsibilities for elected officials.
For people who are concerned about the security of the election we have some suggestions:
First, rest assured, New Jersey has some of the best laws in the country for fair, secure elections and accessibility for voters. None of that will change before the election.
If you vote by mail, start looking for your ballot now. Ballots are mailed in waves until close to Election Day, so be patient, but diligent, and call the County Clerk’s office if you are concerned that you didn’t receive it. Once you fill out the ballot use a drop box rather than USPS. If you absolutely have to mail it, fill your ballot out it as soon as you get it and get it in the mail immediately to allow plenty of time. And sign up to track your ballot so you can see when it is received, safe and sound.
Hot tip: If you signed up to Vote by Mail and decide to vote in person you will have to vote by Provisional Ballot. It’s only to prevent anyone from voting twice. You’ll have to use a pen. Do It anyway.
Questions? We’re happy to help. Contact us.
If you vote in person, consider voting early. From Oct. 26 through Nov. 1 you can vote at any polling location in the county where you’re registered.
If you want to vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, do it! There will be folks from each party at the polling places to help protect your right to vote; Challengers and Poll Watchers. If you see or experience something that doesn’t seem right, talk with someone. There is also a Hotline you can call - 1-877-NJ-Voter (1-877-658-6837).
Lots of voting information on our website.
If you are turned away from a polling place do not leave! Ask for a Provisional Ballot! It’s not what you expected, but do it anyway. It’s your vote.
Here are some reasons this might happen (It’s usually very simple):
You are on record as requesting a Vote by Mail ballot.
Your name is not on the poll list of voters, but you have registered.
You moved within the county, but have not registered at your new address.
You're a first-time voter and you did not provide accepted ID when you registered (ex. by mail), and did not bring it with you on Election Day.
If you were marked ID Required at your polling place, but were unable to show ID, you can vote by provisional ballot. But for your vote to count, you must bring acceptable ID to the appropriate county office within 48 hours. Poll workers must give you a form that tells you the address to where you must show your ID.
There’s a lot here, but please reach out if you have questions or want more information.
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