The election season is here! I know it is exhausting and divisive — but it is also a time to let our voices be heard. This is certainly not something to take for granted. If you are a woman or an African American, you should especially appreciate how hard our ancestors fought to make sure no person over 18, regardless of race, color or gender could be denied the right to vote in our great nation. Despite the importance and duty of voting, American voter turnout in national elections is on average only around 60%.
I know this is a seemingly serious topic for a company that designs and sells wine purses, but as a brand that champions women and respects people of all races, colors, and genders, we feel it is important to ensure everyone knows how to make their voices be heard this election season.
Whether you’re a first-time voter, or you are no longer registered, we want to help guide you in the right direction. Let’s take a few minutes and go over the different options we have this year so we can all get our vote out and make a difference.
-
Registering to Vote: If you are not registered, you need to get registered in your voting district. Head over to Vote.org and register online. Currently, all 50 states have opened the option to allow people to register right from the comfort of their homes. Simply find your state, click on the link and in less than 2 minutes you will be registered to vote.
- Be Informed: Do your homework. First, make sure you know what issues are important to you and what each candidate’s stance is on those issues. Seek out multiple sources of information, get the facts, and make your own decisions. Try not to make decisions based on negative advertisements as both sides are prone to exaggerating.
Ways to Vote
States are trying their best to make voting easier for everyone due to Covid, but keep in mind that every state’s voting rules and options differ, so you have to be informed.
-
Mail-in ballots: To find out what your state is doing this year, head over to your state’s election office website (https://www.usa.gov/election-office). This will let you know not only if your state allows mail in voting but will also give you important key dates for voting. If you can vote by mail, vote early and make sure you put it in the mailbox yourself. This will make sure your mail-in ballot will count.
-
Voting in person: There is something to be said for showing up at the polling station, casting your vote, and getting that sticker. It is like a badge of honor. If you are going to vote in person, here are some suggestions:
1) Check with your state’s election office website. It will inform you of:- The location of your polling stations
- What you need to bring to cast your vote (ex: type of photo ID requirements)
2) Be prepared- Wear comfortable shoes so your feet don’t get tired
- Dress in layers so if you are chilly or warm you can add or remove articles
- Make sure you have a good backpack and pack some snacks and drinks in case you get thirsty. If you bring your PortoVino make sure you only fill it with water or juice — definitely do not want any reason to be denied your vote
- Bring an umbrella in case it starts to rain and a hat in case it is too sunny
Whatever you do, get in your vote! Voting is one of the most impactful things you can do not only for yourself but for your country as an American citizen. Let’s make our ancestors proud and honor them by doing what they fought so hard for. Voting is empowering, so go ahead and feel that empowerment when you get out (or stay in) and vote. And after you cast your vote, go ahead and relax a little with your favorite glass of wine. After all, you so deserve it for making a difference with your Vote!
Comments