Hi there, John—

I wanted to reach out and introduce myself: I’m Chrystian, NARAL’s new State Campaigns Director. It’s my job to make sure that we’re building state-level strategies to protect reproductive freedom for every body — from Arizona to Maine and everywhere in between.

My experience is rooted in voter protection efforts in Georgia — a state where the Governor is known as an architect of voter suppression. In my time at NARAL, I’ve quickly learned that NARAL supporters like you are strong and consistent voters — but with COVID-19 and the GOP’s efforts to confuse voters and create chaos, casting your ballots may look a bit different this year. We can’t just depend on the way we’ve done things in the past — there’s far too much at stake.

That’s why we need everyone who cares about reproductive freedom to have a plan (and a backup plan!) to vote this fall. NARAL and I will be with you every step of the way — so first up, here's your personalized checklist for making your voice heard, John:

Register to vote! Even if you think you are already registered, check your registration status. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of voters have been purged off the voter rolls — so please, don’t take a chance that one of them could be you.

Decide how you’re going to cast your ballot (don’t just rely on how you’ve done things in the past!) and be sure to sign up for election reminders. Maybe you’ve always voted in person on Election Day. Ask yourself: Does the pandemic change that? Maybe you’ve always voted by mail. Consider: Do I need to send in my ballot earlier?

Request your mail-in ballot. You shouldn’t have to choose between staying healthy and exercising your right to vote. Voting by mail is a safe and convenient option that is available in every state (but it’s not your only option). If you choose to vote by mail, be sure to request your ballot as soon as possible.

Return your mail-in ballot. You can turn in your ballot by dropping it in the mailbox, or depending on the options in your state, you may return it at a designated drop box or in person at your local elections office. But here’s the key: Don’t wait until the last minute! As soon as you fill out your ballot, make a plan to return it.

Forward this email to five friends or family members to make sure they’re ready to vote, too!

Together, we're going to stop Trump and his cronies, and take the next step forward in the fight for reproductive freedom — but only if we start getting out the vote today. No matter how you choose to vote — whether it’s by mail, early in person, or on Election Day — making a plan is one of the most important things you can do right now.

Let’s win this thing!

Chrystian Woods
State Campaigns Director, NARAL Pro-Choice America