Dear John,

We are now just 24 days out from Election Day. Can you believe it? This year, though, I hesitate to put too much emphasis on November 3rd itself. After all, it’s truly election month this year—not just Election Day. Early voting has already begun in some states. Voters across the country have started to receive their mail-in or absentee ballots. In some states, voter registration deadlines are quickly approaching. (Check your state’s deadline here.) I can hardly believe it myself, but we are truly in the final weeks of this election cycle. Now is the time to make sure your vote counts and your voice is heard. 

This week, instead of the letter you usually read here, I’d like to share with you the steps I’m urging everyone to take to make a voting plan—including the critically important questions to ask yourself. Even if you're a lifelong voter, we urge you to make a plan—this is not a normal election. 

Start by asking yourself: 

• Have I registered to vote and/or recently confirmed my registration is current? Register to vote or confirm your registration here. 
• Can I vote by mail in my state?
  • If so, have I requested my ballot? Request your mail-in or absentee ballot here.
• Can I return my ballot in person to a drop box or polling location? Find your polling location or ballot drop box here.
• Have I made a back-up voting plan, in case my mail-in ballot does not arrive in time? 
• Early Voting has already begun in some states. Can I vote early in-person in my state? Find out when you can vote here.
• If I'm voting in-person, do I know where my polling place is? Locate your polling place here.
• Have I signed up to be a poll worker or join an election protection team? Learn more about how to get involved here.
• Questions about how to vote safely in person or how to vote by mail? Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE for nonpartisan help.

So very much is at stake. Make your plan. Make a back-up plan. I just mailed in my ballot today. Given that election officials are facing an unprecedented situation this year, be sure to vote as soon as possible—it’s on all of us to protect our democracy. 

For equality,

Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor

You'll find the Ms. team wearing our new tRuth face mask—in RBG's honor—to the polls this year. Our limited edition mask will be available for two weeks only, so get yours today.

100% of the proceeds from this mask will support Ms. magazine's reporting, rebelling and truth-telling.

Purchase your face mask today!

Our friend, Cynthia Terrell, founder and executive director of RepresentWomen, is back with another installment of her weekly column, rounding up some of her favorite stories about women’s representation in the news this week.