Plan Ahead
- Cheryl Veldman
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Chuck Schumer met with MS NOW, as reported by Ali Vitali this past week, as he came out of meetings where Democrats had been workshopping “doomsday” midterm election scenarios, ranging from misinformation to physical interference at the polls. That’s admittedly chilling. Vitali’s report spoke to the worry that Democrats have that there is a balance to strike: to plan for worst-case scenarios but not scare people away from voting. I share that fear, but the very fact that the administration is working so hard to put this fear into us makes it even more critical to get ready.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has been preparing for these scenarios as well and has an excellent list of tips and information they entitled “Vote Free From Fear: 2026” that can be found here:
I have also attached their downloadable guide if that's easier.
The tips they list are spot on with what I had in mind to write out, so thanks, SPLC, for making my job easier! But I’ll expand on some of the items listed, starting with explaining why I’m making a post in late July about an event happening in November, and that’s because this won’t be like any other election we’ve ever had, and after 2020, that’s saying something. We all need to plan because, trust me, the individuals who would rather you don’t vote are planning ahead too. This, no matter what party you support, will not be the kind of event that you can look at your calendar and say, “Oh wow, it’s election day. I better take a lunch and go vote.”
There will be intense interest in the election, so lines are likely to be long if nothing else, but there could be some physical impediments making it a challenge to get to your polling place, so spend some time deciding the best plan of action for you based on what your state supports.
When I lived in Texas, I far preferred early voting. The lines were sometimes longer, actually, but it’s done, and you can do it when it’s most convenient to you. If your state allows it, that’s what I would recommend.
For mail-in ballots, as the SPLC suggests, mail them back early. In Pennsylvania, we can track the ballot online to make sure it was received. Check to see if your state has that ability as well. It can give you peace of mind.
For some voters, the biggest challenge can be getting to the polling place. If you need a ride, check to see if there are organizations in your area that are offering ride shares. If you can offer rides, see if they need volunteers. Or just offer to take a neighbor that you know may not be able to drive.
We all know not to wear political clothing when voting, but other regulations are designed to keep polling places safe and free from voter intimidation. I recommend learning what they really are versus what you may be told they are in advance. Again, there is likely information specific to your region. In Pennsylvania, this is a helpful resource on voter intimidation:https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/your-rights-and-the-law/voter-intimidation
If you’re not sure of anything at any time, consult a poll worker.
Above all else, understand that in this country, we have the right to cast our ballots. My father, for one, fought for that right and freedom. Don’t let yourself be intimidated away from exercising your most important right as a citizen.
