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Yesterday, @Kat_McNamara spoke with the Former Chief White House Correspondent for CNN on her Instagram Live! If you missed it, here’s a thread of everything they discussed.
It’s now more important than ever to stay informed about the election!
It’s now more important than ever to stay informed about the election!
Kat started her Live encouraging people to vote. Do your part, do your thing as a citizen. If you're not in the US, you still have a voice that you can use to change the world you live in. Kat admits she has limited knowledge on the voting process, so she wanted Jessica to speak!
As she waited for Jessica, she explained that it's important, especially with the pandemic, to reach out to friends and family members. Someone might need a ride to the polls, someone might not know WHERE they can vote. Reach out, help others, band together!
Jessica joined!
Kat's first question is: do we circle or do we check the right choice?
Answer: In most places, you fill the circle in completely! But, in Texas, you need to put in an 'X' in the box. Take the time to read the instructions!!
Kat's first question is: do we circle or do we check the right choice?
Answer: In most places, you fill the circle in completely! But, in Texas, you need to put in an 'X' in the box. Take the time to read the instructions!!
Q: What is the signature matching thing?
A: In a lot of states, you have to sign the outside/inside of your mail in ballot, and they will check that against the signature they have on file for you. This is usually from the first time you registered to vote! Take your time, sign..
A: In a lot of states, you have to sign the outside/inside of your mail in ballot, and they will check that against the signature they have on file for you. This is usually from the first time you registered to vote! Take your time, sign..
..your ballot with a clear head. Don't rush through it. Make sure you follow the directions. Use your classic OG signature and you'll be fine!
A lot of states allow you to track your mail in ballot and they will inform you that your signature doesn't match. You can go fix it!
A lot of states allow you to track your mail in ballot and they will inform you that your signature doesn't match. You can go fix it!
Q: Some people don't necessarily want to vote on everything - can you leave something blank?
A: You're fine to leave a question blank! Your voted ballot will still count. It's OK to do your best! If you're not comfortable, it's okay to leave it blank.
A: You're fine to leave a question blank! Your voted ballot will still count. It's OK to do your best! If you're not comfortable, it's okay to leave it blank.
Q: What if you vote by mail, but you made a mistake?
A: Go vote in person! If you have a mail in ballot, you can still go to the polls. Take your ballot with you and turn it in and vote in person!
Q: If you're mailing it, do you have to put postage?
A: You don't need postage
A: Go vote in person! If you have a mail in ballot, you can still go to the polls. Take your ballot with you and turn it in and vote in person!
Q: If you're mailing it, do you have to put postage?
A: You don't need postage
A: But right now, there's not enough time to use the USPS. Go to a polling center or an official box!
Q: How do you find your official ballot box?
A: Google "official ballot box + *your county*" and you can find it!
Q: How do you find your official ballot box?
A: Google "official ballot box + *your county*" and you can find it!
Q: Say I want to vote in person - what is not allowed to happen?
A: If you show up to vote and the polling place closes, as long as you're there before the polls close, you have a RIGHT to VOTE. No one can kick you out if you were in line before closing. Call 1-866-OURVOTE
A: If you show up to vote and the polling place closes, as long as you're there before the polls close, you have a RIGHT to VOTE. No one can kick you out if you were in line before closing. Call 1-866-OURVOTE
Q: "Voter Intimidation" what does that look like?
A: It's something like.. you're in line at a polling place and someone comes up and asks you who you're voting for. You're in your booth and someone comes up behind you and looks over your shoulder. Anything that gets in your way.
A: It's something like.. you're in line at a polling place and someone comes up and asks you who you're voting for. You're in your booth and someone comes up behind you and looks over your shoulder. Anything that gets in your way.
A: Any law enforcement officers with a political name around them. If you see any of this, call the election hotline!
Q: What is a provisional ballot and why would I need one?
A: For example, if you get to a polling place and they say "you're not registered" Make sure you ask:
Q: What is a provisional ballot and why would I need one?
A: For example, if you get to a polling place and they say "you're not registered" Make sure you ask:
Do we have same day voter registration? - if they don't, you have a right to a provisional ballot. It's essentially a back up ballot. They save it to the end and then they check that you're legit and registered and then they check you in. Make sure you get a receipt!
Q: What is ballot tracking?
A: You did a mail in ballot but you don't know anything about where it is! They will email you directly with your provided email/contact and let you know where in the stage your ballot is. It goes from "collected" to "counted"
A: You did a mail in ballot but you don't know anything about where it is! They will email you directly with your provided email/contact and let you know where in the stage your ballot is. It goes from "collected" to "counted"
**SIDENOTE: IF ANY AMERICAN HAS A QUESTION REGARDING BALLOT TRACKING, the american counterpart of this update account has done the mail in ballot and can offer more information on how to track yours, as she has tracked hers!**
A: You can get notice that your ballot did not go through, and you have the opportunity in some states to go in and fix whatever mistakes were made!
Q: When it comes to Election Night, what can we expect?
A: This year, because of covid, there are millions of mail in ballots..
Q: When it comes to Election Night, what can we expect?
A: This year, because of covid, there are millions of mail in ballots..
A: And it will take a LOT of time to go through that! Some states have a law where they are NOT allowed to start counting ballots until Election Night or a few hours prior. Those states legit have warehouses of uncounted ballots waiting to be counted.
A: It's going to take a WHILE to tabulate their returns. We're used to getting Election results that night - we have been spoiled. This time around it might take at least 24 hours, maybe 48, and if it's close? It could be contested and go into a longer situation.
Jessica says on Election Night that she will watch Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and Ohio. They're swing states and either candidate could win and you could get a same day winner there. Florida could be decisive.
Q: How should people go about the media and all of the different perspectives?
A: In general, pick a few news sources as your go-tos and check them regularly. Pick a little left, a little right, and make sure you have your own choices. Associated Press is what she recommends!
A: In general, pick a few news sources as your go-tos and check them regularly. Pick a little left, a little right, and make sure you have your own choices. Associated Press is what she recommends!
If you have already voted, the next thing you can do is call up three of your friends and see if they have any questions about where their polling places are or if they have any questions about what's on the ballot! If you get a nudge from your friend, you're more likely to vote!
It's so important to take charge of our own future. We all have a chance to make a difference. Every vote matters.
As @Kat_McNamara reminds us, #iamavoter doesn't stop with being an American citizen. Use your voice and never be afraid to insist change.
As @Kat_McNamara reminds us, #iamavoter doesn't stop with being an American citizen. Use your voice and never be afraid to insist change.
Thanks for joining us! 
If you have any questions about voting or your mail in ballot tracking, send us a DM and we'll try to help point you in the right direction!
If you have any questions about voting or your mail in ballot tracking, send us a DM and we'll try to help point you in the right direction!
