KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS: VOTING BY MAIL IN 2020

By Brandon Hooks, he/him pronouns

In the weeks leading up to November 3, millions of people across the country will cast their ballots for elected officials from state houses to the White House. While media coverage may center around Election Day itself, our right to vote is not limited to just one calendar day. In fact, many Americans will opt this year to engage in early or mail-in voting to fulfill their civic duty while also remaining safe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trump-Pence administration is actively seeking to undermine alternatives to in-person voting by labeling them as corrupt, undemocratic and “rigged” — but it’s clear these are all just attempts to lower turnout. We must not let fear and intimidation strip us of our right to free and fair elections, and instead must equip ourselves with the facts and information that matter.

Regardless of how you make your voice heard this fall and help elect pro-equality candidates across the United States, it’s important you know your voting rights and key information ahead of the election.

THE FOUR KEYS TO ENSURING YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT IS COUNTED

1. Request and return your ballot as early as possible. Some states require your ballot to be returned by Election Day, not just postmarked, so the earlier you submit it, the greater chance it makes it in before November 3.

2. Check to see the voting by mail rules in the state in which you are registered, including whether there are voter ID requirements. Planning ahead will help make the process as easy as possible.

3. Make sure the signature on your ballot matches the one on your voter registration form. States often check closely to see if they match, so double-check to ensure the signatures are as close to one another as possible.

4. If for some reason you do not receive your requested ballot, you can still vote early or on Election Day at a designated polling station. Your ballot request will not negate your ability to vote.

You can find more information on your registration status, polling locations and state requirements and request a mail ballot by visiting HRC.ORG/VOTE.