We know you’re juggling so many things all at once, so we want to make voting this year as easy as possible for you.
This election we mothers finally don’t have to choose between being a mom and voting. This year, we can #VOTELIKEAMOTHER.
Here’s a quick guide on where to start:
How to take time off from work for voting:
- If you’re scheduled to work on Nov. 5 and are planning to vote in person, let your boss know as soon as possible that you will need to take some time off that day.
- When you have this conversation with your boss, let them know how much time you think you need to go to the polling station to fulfill your civic duty, fill out your ballot and come back to work. (In the state of California, for example, you can have more than two hours off, but only two of those must be paid by your employer, by law.)
How to get transportation to the polls:
- NAACP and ride-share company Lyft have partnered to provide free and discounted rides to the polls. Learn more here. Users can preload the code, VOTE24, on or before Nov. 5 for rideshare, bikeshare or scooter rides.
- Uber is offering half off rideshare costs up to $10 on Election Day for users in most states. Learn more here.
Vote Early Day is partnering with Lime to offer free rides to vote early starting on Vote Early Day (10/29) and running through Election Day (11/5). Lime scooters and e-bikes will be available for free using the following code: VOTE2024.
How to arrange childcare to early vote or vote on election day:
- Create a “Parent Pod”
- Similar to carpools and local playgroups, create a parenting pod with friends in the area so that you can take turns supervising the kids and going to vote.
- Pick one central location for the group of children to stay while the parents rotate in and out to take their turns to vote. Be sure every family contributes toys, games, allergy- safe snacks, and water for the kids and parents (the voting lines may be quite long!).
- Ask a Loved One
- This could be a family member, a neighbor, A local clergy member, or a work colleague: Be sure to speak up early if you do need help, as family and friends will often be happy to jump in to assist if they know they are helping with something so critical!
- Research your local YMCA, YMHA, Care.com, etc
- These organizations have, in the past, offered free childcare on election day.
- Call or go online to reserve a spot ahead of election day as they will get busy.
- Even if it doesn’t seem that, your local branch may be participating, give a call just to be sure.
- Lastly, if you yourself have voted early and are free to help someone you know who might not be able to get childcare and needs to vote, please raise your hand to step in – The help could make all the difference!
How to find rules about when/how you’re able to bring your little one to the polls, if needed
- Spread the word! There are more than 85 million mothers in the US. Moms have spending and voting power, but we also have a lot on our plates. Text MOTHER to 26797 to get voter registration info and a guide to the ballot items that matter most to moms so you can Vote Like a Mother® this year. Don’t gatekeep this tool – share it with your group text now.
- Donate to help continue to remove the barriers that keep moms from voting.