five things vol. 2

It’s Election Day, and I’ve felt a sense of calm the last few days and what’s freaking me out is I can’t tell if that’s good or bad. I will be going today with my kid - who is a first-time voter whoooo hoooo, to cast my ballot for Big Sister General.

But this moment is very bittersweet for me.

While I’m beyond excited to vote for the first Black and Southeast Asian woman to be at the top of a major party ticket, I am not happy with how she’s been framing the genocide in Gaza as a candidate. As the VP, she has to go along with the President, but as a candidate, she seems to be in lockstep and it’s beyond troubling for me. And this is not an election I can just sit out in protest because far too much is on the line. So I will do what I do best and that is harassing my elected official until I get what I want and that is an end to the genocide and occupation of Gaza - something that will be far easier to do under Kamala vs. Trump because, under that orange fascist, I’ll be fighting for my rights too.

And here is this week’s five things.

1. VOTE

Please make a plan to vote today. While times vary by state, most polling locations are open from dusk to dawn. I've included a complete list so you can check your specific state.

2. VOTE VOTE

Take a friend if you can. Why it’s wild to me, there are still undecided voters out there and maybe you know one. While I’m not a fan of Jubilee, Mayor Pete was on the last episode debating undecided voters. Send that episode to them and maybe it will help them make a final decision because we only have 30 minutes!

3. VOTE VOTE VOTE

While this presidential election is vitally important, it’s not the only thing on the ballot. House, Senate, Mayoral, School Board, Superintendent, City Council, and individual State measures are also on the ballot, and you must be voting in those races as well. To see what’s on the ballot in your state, head to Ballotpeida, type in your information and it will pull it up for you and give you links to sources for research.

4. VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Not sure if you know this, but voting is the bare minimum. Yes, it’s important, but not nearly as important as staying engaged in election off-seasons. So while you’re anxiously waiting for the results to come in, research how you can get involved on your local or state level. It can be as simple as going to City Council meetings or as involved as joining an organization. I’m personally joining one called Richmond Crusade for Voters to help in my state’s governor race next year.

5. VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

You went to vote, got someone else to vote and now all you can do is wait until we know what’s what. Please be kind to yourself and try not to stress. While we’re hoping and praying for the best, if the worst happens, we just have to get to work.

Happy Election Day!

Shanna