The Group Chat: Election Day Updates
While there are no Congressional and presidential races to drive voter turnout this year, this Election Day is just as important. (Every election is, tbh.) Local races that impact our communities daily are on the ballot this year. States like Virginia and New Jersey are electing a new governor. Cities like New York and Detroit are choosing their next mayor. And voters in California are challenging a president's attempt to rig next year's election through redistricting.
We have eyes and ears throughout the country to make sure all are able to exercise their right to vote without incident. Stop by throughout the day for election updates for us, by us.
Have an issue voting? Report it.
4 p.m. ET: Attention college students in Virginia: Your voice matters right where you live and study! If you haven't registered yet, no stress — you can register and vote TODAY. Questions? Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE.
3:30 p.m. ET: We see you, NYC! Record turnout is being reported.
2:12 p.m. ET: Everyone's gathering online in a collective effort to motivate everyone to vote. From actress Jenifer Lewis' (@jeniferlewisforreal) theme song for today to influencer Richie Fontane's (@richiefontane) hilarious - and factual - reminder of the importance of voting today. Actress Kerry Washington and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett even joined together to make it clear that we all need Prop 50 to pass in California.
1:47 p.m. ET: It's not surprising that anytime we see community coming together we see an increase in violence. Like in New Jersey with the bomb threats, like in California with the DOJ being in places, they're trying to put us in fear when we're working in the collective voice. And the unified voice we've seen is individuals are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
The loss of jobs, hospitals shutting down, the loss of SNAP benefits, people are seeing civil liberties stripped from them. They know something has to change. You can't vote against your best interest and think better outcomes are coming. Last year we were a little worried at this point, this year people have seen what can happen and are acting. ~ Amari Fennoy, National Mobilization Director, NAACP
12:17 p.m. ET: Energy on the streets is different this year. We're feeling like Black voters in particular understand what's at stake and that elections have consequences. We're still going to show up and vote for change and vote for progress. If you haven't yet, look around your friends, family, and current condition. If you want to see that change, express that power through your vote today. ~ Tyler Sterling, Director of Campaigns, NAACP
10:20 a.m. ET: We've seen reports of bomb threats in various states. State officials took prompt action to address it, resulting in few disruptions to polling centers. But keep reporting any issues you see.
10 a.m. ET: Polls are now open in California. There are U.S. Department of Justice poll monitors at some locations and we're hearing there are concerns about ICE grabbing people on their way to the polls, so be safe and vigilant as you head to the polls. Some options:
- Drop your ballot at a USPS post office within 50 miles of where you live.
- Put your ballot in a dropbox near you. Find it here: Dropbox locations.
- Go vote in person. Find your polling place.
7 a.m. ET: Polls are opening on the East Coast. Stay safe and make your voice heard through your vote. If you experience or witness any issues at the polls, let our team know: fill out this form or give us a call at 866-OUR-VOTE.