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As we move into Election Day (November 3) – a day that is causing many of us great anxiety—I was looking for something to write but found this information from the ACLU to be better than anything I could do.
Please note:
- This was written for before the weekend but the info is still relevant and the podcast goes into more detail.
- They share their ballot guide. CCDC has a ballot guide you can refer to here: CCDC's Ballot Guide link
The bottom line is we are not going to know the results on Tuesday night the way we have in the past. Colorado is one of 5 states along with Utah and Washington that are used to doing all mail balloting so we know how to do this and have experience. Other states are dealing with newness and figuring this out.
Uncertainty is frustrating but in our community we live with uncertainly a lot, so we are resilient and able to handle it. We urge you to be careful about where you get information. There will be a LOT of bad information out there but there will be good information as well. Make sure you check sources and there should be at least two major news outlets reporting something before you consider it a fact. There will be lots of allegations and some disputes may need to be worked out in the courts. Be prepared to feel nervous and uncomfortable for a few days, maybe a week or more and take necessary self-care measures as best you can.
CCDC will be doing our best to keep you up to date on what we know. Other groups you can listen to that will give you a non-partisan message include Common Cause, ACLU, or the Bipartisan Policy Center. As always if you experience any disability related problems voting in Colorado call Disability Law Colorado at 303-722-0300.
ACLU ALERT
As we head into Election Day, we at the ACLU wanted to reach out with a few reminders and reassurances around this incredibly pivotal time.
The main thing to remember – other than to vote, of course – is that this election is happening during a pandemic. That means Tuesday may look a bit different, and we want you to feel as prepared for it as possible. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Final results will not come in on election night. That's okay. Voting by mail is one of the safest ways for many to cast their ballot this year due to COVID-19. But processing these ballots takes more time – and many states don't start processing the ballots until Election Day itself or until the ballot is received, which may be after Election Day. Election night returns have always been mere projections, but this year especially, we need to wait for the final results. Take a breath, and remember counting every vote with accuracy is far more important to our country's future than rushing the results.
- The ACLU will be ready to protect your civil liberties – and the vote – no matter what. Our attorneys and organizers are prepared in all 50 states to take action for you and all our rights on Tuesday and beyond. If someone tries to declare a winner before every vote gets counted – we'll be here. If there's an attempt to subvert our country's democratic process – we'll be here. We've been fighting all year to make sure everyone's fundamental right to vote is secure, and we're not stopping now.
- If you haven't done so before Election Day, vote. And if you have voted already, then check in with three friends over the weekend about their plans, too. You can find and share specific voting information for your state here, as well as resources on your local down-ballot races and ways to get involved beyond casting your ballot.
We know it's been a tough week, and an even more challenging year. But we're in the final stretch of this election, and the more prepared we all are the better.
Please take a moment to go over ACLU's voting guide one more time and together, we can finish this election strong to protect the civil liberties we all believe in.
For our democracy,
Your Friends at Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition and ACLU's Molly McGrath
P.S. If you're still feeling unsure and want to learn more about what to expect on Election Day during the pandemic, listen to Episode One of the ACLU's special mini-series that I host, At the Polls, part of our At Liberty podcast. It's a solid rundown to listen to over the weekend so you can go into Tuesday informed and a little less stressed. Thank you.
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