We now know that the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately harming the elderly and people of color. But, with the November 2020 election just around the corner, without action these voices could be lost. Voting by mail ensures equitable access for people, regardless of age, race, or socio-economics. Unfortunately, vote-by-mail applications can only be filled-out online or at county offices. For vulnerable populations, with limited access to public transportation and internet services, this is an undue burden.

In light of these issues, the State of Illinois passed a law requiring election officials to send an application to vote by mail in the 2020 general elections to any person who voted in the 2018 midterm elections, the 2019 consolidated elections, or the 2020 primary elections. While this is a laudable attempt to expand voting access, it falls short of what’s really needed. The largest of these three elections was the 2018 midterms, during which there was less than 60% voter turnout county-wide. And amongst people of color, this number was far lower. Turnout at the primary hit an all-time low as voters were afraid to vote during the pandemic. Expanding access to mail-in voting is the best way to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

PLEASE CALL YOUR ELECTION OFFICIALS TO ASK THEM TO SEND A VOTE-BY-MAIL APPLICATION TO EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER

Call any time -- day or night -- and leave a message.

Each call script also contains the link to request your own vote-by-mail ballot.