Here’s our quick guide for what to do on Election Day, for artists, art students, arts educators, arts administrators, and all our friends who care about democracy. Jump straight to the section(s) that apply to you.
If you suddenly realize you’re not registered to vote - or you’re not sure (jump)
If you forgot to make a plan to vote (jump)
If you didn’t research every race on the ballot (jump)
If it’s raining or snowing or windy or otherwise awful out (jump)
If you already voted (jump)
If you have spare time to help other voters (jump)
If you see trouble at your polling place (jump)
If you’re not eligible to vote (jump)
How to get through election night and the days (or weeks) to follow (jump)
If you suddenly realize you’re not registered to vote - or if you’re not sure
The good news is that same day voter registration is available in 21 states plus the District of Columbia. Check this list to find out if you can register and vote on November 8. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, check here.
If it turns out you’re not registered and it’s too late, go ahead and register now so you’re ready for the next election.
If you forgot to make a plan to vote
Take a few minutes right now to plan your day. Find your polling place and what hours it’s open, then figure out how you’re going to get there and when. Do you need to take time off from work? 29 states plus DC require employers to give you time off to vote, and most of them require that it be paid time off. Do you need a ride? Many transit agencies offer free rides on Election Day. Lyft is offering discounts on rides to the polls.
Do you care for someone who will need a caretaker while you’re voting? Do you know someone else who could use a ride? Think through what you need to get done to figure out how you’ll get to the polls. Take some snacks with you. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend for help!
Remember: As long as you are in line to vote when the polls close, you have the right to vote. They are required to keep the polls open until everyone in line has voted. Just make sure you get there before closing time!
If you didn’t research every race on the ballot
Don’t worry! The ballot can be long and complicated. Vote on the races you know something about. It’s better vote on some of the races than not show up at all.
If you have a few minutes to do a little research before you go, we recommend looking at endorsements. If you like Planned Parenthood, for example, you’ll probably like the candidates and propositions Planned Parenthood endorsed.
If it’s raining or snowing or windy or otherwise awful out
Get out there and vote! Take your umbrella, or put on your heavy coat and boots. You got this.
If you already voted
THANK YOU!!!!
If you have spare time to help other voters
Right now, reach out to five friends and ask if they’ve voted yet. If they haven’t, ask what they need and how you can help them. Tell them why voting is so important to you. Forward this newsletter to anyone who might find it helpful.
On Election Day there are plenty of opportunities - in person or by phone or text - to help get out the vote in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and across the US.
If you see trouble at your polling place
In most communities across the country, voting will be go smoothly and there won’t be any trouble at all. If you happen to live in one of those places where anti-democratic groups are trying to keep people from voting, there could be problems.
If someone tries to stop you or scare you away from voting, or if you see any other problems, call or text the Election Protection line at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). You can get help in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Asian languages.
If you’re not eligible to vote
Maybe you’re not old enough to vote yet, or maybe you’re not a US citizen. You can still help with get-out-the-vote activities. You can reach out to friends who are eligible and make sure they have everything they need to vote.
How to get through election night and the days (or weeks) to follow
The outcomes of the closest races won’t be clear on Election Night. When the first results start to roll in, the media will pick up the pace on their “horse race” style reporting, saying that this or that candidate is “ahead” of another, when in fact no one is ahead or behind. They just haven’t finished counting all the votes.
We also know that Republicans lean toward voting in person while Democrats lean toward voting by mail. Mail-in ballots take longer to count, so the results may appear to be headed in a direction that isn’t the ultimate result. In some places, mail-in ballots can be postmarked up to and including Election Day, so for very, very close races, we may have to wait a few weeks until all those mailed ballots arrive and are counted. In the meantime, no one is winning or losing. The ballots have been cast and we’re all just waiting for the final results.
While we wait for the results, though, the political spin machine will be spinning like crazy, on television, social media, and anywhere else they can. Candidates will claim they’ve won before all the votes are in. Pundits who earn their living by taking the hottest hot takes will be overheating. This might be a good time to cut back on social media and spend quality time with friends and family. Read a good book. Exercise more. Get out in nature. Cook a delicious meal. Make some art. Focus on what’s important in your life.
We will win some races and lose some others. It’s okay to be sad or frustrated or disappointed or angry, but here at A4D we encourage you not give in to cynicism or despair. After the 2022 midterm elections are over, there will be work to do to strengthen our democracy, and we will do that work together.
Thanks for reading the Artists 4 Democracy Newsletter. Artists 4 Democracy promotes democratic and civic engagement by mobilizing artists to get involved in political action.
Want to get involved? Get on our mailing list or engage with our Instagram. We’d love to hear from you!