Early voting is already underway in most states across the nation. In fact, there are record turnout rates for early voting in states like Georgia, and, nationwide, 63 million voters (and counting) have already cast their ballots for the upcoming general election. But if you’re a first-time voter, haven’t voted in a while, or simply don’t know where to begin looking for information, making and having a voting plan – whether it includes voting early, by mail, or in-person on Election Day – can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Legal Defense Fund (LDF)’s Black Voters on the Rise team spoke with members of our partner organizations who engage in voter advocacy and education initiatives to find out their voting plans. We hope these plans, detailed below, inspire you to create your own voting plan for this year’s important election.
“I voted early to ensure my voice is heard. Voting is more than a right; it’s an act of resistance. Resisting the status quo. From Ida B. Wells to Thurgood Marshall, our ancestors fought for this power and I’m committed to continuing their legacy. Every time we vote, we disrupt the status quo and move one step closer to justice.”
“We are living in times that our vote must be intentional and strategic. What does that mean? It means having a voting plan that entails being informed about who is running for office, empowered to reach out to others to encourage them to vote, and safe by being aware of voter protection resources. My plan is to not only vote, but [to] educate and empower others to vote and volunteer my time on Election Day by working at the polls. Ultimately, my voting plan entails Action and Advocacy! Are you with me? Make your voting plan and meet me at the polls on Election Day!”
“I plan to vote in person on Nov. 5, as I really want to be intentional about voting this year and get the experience, while also actively showing the younger generation who I am [by] inspiring the physical empowerment of voting. I haven’t directly helped a family member with voting, as I moved away from home for college at 17. However, I have awoken a sense of commitment in [them] fulfilling their civic duties by consistently bringing up the importance of voting as an African American – and the generational struggle our ancestors fought through to ensure us this right – to my family members as well as close friends.”
“I plan to vote in person on Election Day. This year, I made it a priority to help my peers on campus get educated about the election process and ensure they knew how to register and find their polling locations. Back home, I also helped some of my family members as well by helping them create a voter’s guide to have when they go to the polls. It feels good to make a difference both on and off-campus and teach the importance of voting.”
“My vote plan is to come out on Nov. 5 and vote like my life depends on it, because it does. This election will change the face of this country for years to come.”
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to making your own voting plan, LDF’s voter checklist is an easy way to confirm your registration, see what’s on your ballot, request an absentee ballot, learn how to research candidates or ballot measures, and more! Here are a few other items to consider for your voting plan:
Early voting is fast, flexible, and convenient. It also helps reduce wait times on Election Day. Check if early voting is available on your local or state election board’s website. If it is, consider voting early and mark your calendar with the day and time you plan to head to the polls.
Where is your polling place? Is it close enough to walk, or will you have to drive or take public transport? When will you go? Plan your route before you head to the polls and consider carpooling with family or friends to get there more easily. Also, if you have a disability and are voting in person, you have the right to accessibility accommodations to help facilitate the voting process. Visit vote.gov to learn more about what your options are.
This election is not just about who the next president will be. There are multiple local, state, and federal races, as well as ballot measures related to reproductive health care, infrastructure funding, public safety, and more that may be on your ballot. Use our index of elected positions in local and state governments and guide to researching what’s on your ballot to ensure that you are fully informed before choosing elected officials and making your voice heard on important issues at every level of government.
If you’ve already made a voting plan or cast your ballot, consider dedicating some of your time. Elections run smoothly and fairly because of the thousands of poll monitors who volunteer to protect the ballot at poll sites in their communities. You can sign up to be a poll monitor with LDF’s Black Voters on the Rise team to help ensure safe, fair, and efficient elections.
Voting doesn’t just affect you — it affects your entire community too. Encourage your friends and family to head to the polls or volunteer with you. Also, consider hosting a “make your voting plan” event to ensure the people you love are fully informed and prepared to cast their ballots. There are countless ways to activate your community around the issues that matter to all of you.
When making a voting plan, there many options to ensure that you exercise your right – and your power – to have a voice in our democracy before, on, and beyond Election Day in a way that works best for you. As Election Day approaches, be sure to check out LDF’s voting resources as you get ready to cast your ballot.
Voter Resources
LDF works to protect voting rights and support Black political engagement. Through community-centered advocacy, we are fighting back. Find state-specific voting information about deadlines, polling places, registration information, and more.
LDF Original Content
Information about local elections and candidates can be hard to find. Our research guide helps you find the information about candidates and issues on the ballot in your communities that you need to be prepared to vote.
Voter Resources
Our state, municipal, and county-level elected officials make a wide range of decisions that shape our communities. We’ve compiled an index of some of the major elected positions in state and local government and their functions.
LDF Original Content
We created the following list of key election issues that inform the path forward to 2024 — and also identified opportunities for proactive advocacy so you can prepare to cast your ballots.
LDF Original Content
The Black Voters on the Rise initiative works to support Black political engagement by advancing Black voters’ rights and the promise of a free and fair democracy throughout the full life cycle of the democratic process.
LDF Report
Democracy Defended incorporates data points, key takeaways, and observations from elections in LDF’s target states in 2022 to help civil rights advocates engage strategically to support voters.
