The Standard Interview

Voting Forward with The ACLU

Out on the town, getting out the vote. We wrote 745+ letters last Tuesday with our friends at The ACLU and La Colombe Coffee encouraging voters to show up to the polls this Election Day. In between letter writing, we chatted up Ariel Sims, the Assistant Director of Corporate Engagement at The ACLU, to get tips straight from the source on increasing voter turnout this election year. Read up, and go vote!
What's at stake in this election?

We are seeing a coordinated attempt to erode our democracy and violate our constitution through a constellation of tactics intended to curb our fundamental rights. Our ability to make decisions about our own bodies, live free from discrimination or even cast a ballot are under attack. Voting for your rights this election can protect against these threats. The stakes could not be higher: the outcome of this election will determine the shape of our country for another generation to come.

What can people do in the last few days leading up to Election Day to help?

I cannot understate the fact that every single vote will matter in this election (and could quite literally sway the outcome). Research shows that the single most important factor that Americans take into consideration when making decisions about voting is influence from those closest to them. The population of undecided voters is dwindling daily as we approach the end of this race but there is still time to have difficult conversations with your friends and family about the issues that matter to you and encourage your nearest and dearest to show up at the polls on Tuesday. Visit aclu.org/vote to download a helpful conversation guide to get the discussion started.

What has been the most rewarding part of canvassing for voter turnout?

These last few weeks have been plagued with stress and uncertainty for many of us. Through a series of letter writing events (including our best turn out yet at The Standard East Village!), I have been heartened to encounter a plethora of optimism and a spirit of community, respect and kindness. No matter the outcome, I’m reminded that we will always find a way to work together and take care of each other.

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