Why Early Voting Matters

For those of you who follow Simon Rosenberg, the notion of voting on Day 1 won’t be new, but even if you are familiar with the concept, I’d like to provide some easy talking points for you to use whenever the opportunity presents itself.
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Extended voting time frames are relatively recent so we need to change our tactics accordingly. Longer voting periods allow us to reach more low propensity voters especially if all of us are off the list.

9 reasons why voting as soon as possible matters

1. Once early voting starts, campaigns get daily lists of registered voters who have not yet voted. The most important reason to vote early is to get names OFF these lists so time and money can be used to reach people who are less likely to vote.
2. There is more time for ballot curing (volunteers contacting voters whose ballots have been rejected to make appropriate corrections).
3. It gives a permission structure for voters to consider voting early (changing habits).
4. It make news and demonstrates that democracy is working because the volume of voting is public record.
5. You get fewer annoying emails and texts!!
6. Social pressure grows because “everyone is doing it.”
7. Makes it much more difficult for election deniers to claim election fraud.
8. It reduces the number of people at the polls on election day, so that the  lines are shorter (especially helpful for elderly or disabled - or in states that intentionally limit polling locations).
9. For states that allow pre-processing, it speeds up the vote counting.

If we are to change behavior, a "VOTE DAY 1 PLAN" is important

• If you wish to meet with others to review ballot measures, judges etc, plan a date BEFORE the first day early voting begins in your state.
• Prepare your sample ballot using the Blue Voter Guide or other references.
• If you are voting by mail, the day your ballot arrives, fill it out immediately, with the entries from your completed Blue Voter Guide or sample ballot.
• Put the completed and SIGNED ballot in the mail or nearest drop box.
• Or if you are voting in-person, go to the nearest in-person location.
• Celebrate! You just multiplied your vote!
• Now track your ballot here.