“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it. And so you must go out all across America and tell young people, and people not so young, tell all of us: Vote. The vote is powerful.”
-John Lewis, US Representative and Civil Rights Leader
Elections are important. We get to choose the public officials who make decisions that can determine the accessibility of health care, affordability of housing, quality of education, and so much more. Through November 3rd, we will cast our ballots and make choices that inevitably impact behavioral health. We hope you’ll join us to #VOTE4MentalHealth.
Register to Vote
Before you can vote, you have to register. Get started by checking your registration status. If you’re not registered, click here to find out how to register in your state.
Make Your Plan to Vote
Like every aspect of our lives, the Coronavirus has complicated voting this year and every state has different voting guidelines. Learn more about the voting laws in your state and make sure you have a plan to vote.
You can also plan who and what you’ll vote for. Do your research about candidates and ballot initiatives up and down the ticket don’t forget to learn about where candidates stand on key issues related to mental health and addiction.
And just in case, have the Election Protection Hotline handy: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683).
Get Out the Vote
Now that you have your vote planned, encourage your family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers to vote! Check out the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Get Out the Vote Toolkit in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Here are a few organizations in Philadelphia that are running nonpartisan get out the vote efforts:
- Vote that Jawn
- Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition
- POWER
- League of Women Voters Philadelphia
Research shows that civic participation is linked with improved mental health. So join us in participating in the most fundamental part of our democracy and #VOTE4MentalHealth.
__
If you live in Pennsylvania:
- Register to vote by October 19th.
- You are eligible to vote by mail. Apply for a mail-in ballot by October 27th. If you’re voting by mail, please keep in mind the following:
- Your ballot must be postmarked by November 3rd and received by Friday, November 6th. If you plan to vote by mail, we suggest that you apply for your ballot as soon as possible and mail it back immediately.
- When you mail your ballot, make sure you place your ballot inside the blank envelope that comes with your ballot before placing it in the return envelope. The PA Supreme Court ruled that “naked ballots” will not be counted so this is a critical step!
- You can also vote early in-person through October 27th. In this newly established process, you can visit your county elections office or satellite location to request, complete, and return a main-in ballot in person. Contact your county elections office to confirm details.
- In Philadelphia, there are 17 locations where you can vote early. You can also return your mail-in ballot at these locations.
- If you plan on heading to the polls on Election Day (November 3rd), check your polling location.