Vote him Away!

Voting During COVID-19

Voting During COVID-19

Casting your ballot in-person on Election Day might be how you’ve always voted. However, we’ve also never seen a global health pandemic like the coronavirus, which could in all likelihood be a real obstacle to in-person voting come the November election. Luckily, that does not mean you should expect any difficulty in voting.

Did you know that in 36 states you don’t even have to turn out to the polls on Election Day to cast your ballot? Instead, a growing number of states are going to great lengths to protect voters, expand access, and ensure everyone can vote regardless of who you are or what your barriers to in-person voting are.

Making voting easier for everyone isn’t a partisan issue. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have been elected in states that allow for no-excuse/absentee mail balloting.

If anyone wants to make the false claim that “convenience voting” favors a particular political party, then they aren’t being honest. “Convenience voting” favors voters. Period. It can be confusing to think about all the different ways Americans vote. But, finding out how you can vote most easily isn’t difficult at all!

In fact, the USW has developed an easy online tool for our members and families to find out more information about voting in your state. You can link to this tool and search for your state by going to www.uswvoices.org/state-voting-information

If you have any difficulty using the above link for any reason, you can call the Int’l SOAR Office toll-free at 866-208-4420, and we would be happy to assist you.

Julie Stein, SOAR Director

A Special place in Heaven

I believe there is a special place in heaven for the wives/husbands/partners (WHP) of active and retired union members. You know who you are. You are the ones who have supported, and encouraged, your WHP for many years. Through thick and thin. 

You are the ones who sat at the back of union halls through endless meetings and conferences. You are the ones who waited in parking lots, hotel hallways and lobbies to join your loved one. You are the ones who gladly, without complaint, attended rallies, picket lines, and many tasteless dinners (although those meals were a treat for me as I didn't have to prepare them.)

You are the ones who cheered your WHP when a political bill they were supporting passed. Or a contract ratified. Or a grievance won. And, we were proud. And, we cheered when our loved one was recognized for their sacrifice and service. 

You are the ones who gladly went to parent-teacher night, little league games, and high school events because our WHP had a union meeting or important event. 

When he gave a speech, I admired Leo Gerard for thanking his wife and family for their love, support, and sacrifice through the years he was USW president. Nice!

Take care, be safe, stay healthy! And wear your mask!!

Source: From the Elaine Says column of the May/June 2020 edition of The SOAR Chapter Connection newsletter by Elaine Averill