Fam — it’s that time of the year again when campaign ads flutter across your TV, social media timelines and radio, as everyone secretly thinks to themselves, “It’s Election Day again?!”

It’s true; Election Day is less than a month away. Finally — after a year of retweets and screenshots featuring  all of the political discourse — Americans across the country can cast their ballots, and let our government know how we really feel.

Though every election is important, but this one in particular feels different. This year alone, we witnessed families separated at the border, Russian investigations, historic primary wins, controversial Supreme Court nominations, weird tweets from the president and many more breaking news alerts — all of which has made these midterm elections even more intense.

There is a new sense of urgency to get involved and pay attention. Even some of our favorite celebrities  like Yung Joc, T.I.,Cardi B  and Tracee Ellis Ross have even used their platforms to get out the vote. But you don’t have to be a political expert or celebrity to make a difference this election.

1. Make Sure Your Friends Are Registered to Vote

You know the saying, “When you stay ready, you never have to get ready.” Creating a voting plan is key, to avoid missing out this election. We’ve all felt guilty for not voting at some point, because we were stuck in traffic, got off of work late, couldn’t find a polling location or even just forgot. So come up with a plan.

To create a voting plan, you’ll want to figure out if you’re voting early, by mail, at a polling station on Election Day, who you ultimately want to vote for and how you want to vote on certain issues and policies. Another way to simply level up is to take the time to interrupt your running group chat with your squad to discuss how and when you want to get to the polls.

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2. Create a Voting Plan

We’ve all felt guilty for not voting at some point, because we were stuck in traffic, got off of work late, couldn’t find a polling location or even just forgot. But you know the saying, “When you stay ready, you never have to get ready.” Creating a voting plan is key to avoid missing out this election, so come up with one.

To create a voting plan, you’ll want to figure out if you’re voting early, by mail, at a polling station on Election Day, who you ultimately want to vote for and how you want to vote on certain issues and policies. Another way to simply level up is to take the time to interrupt your running group chat with your squad to discuss how and when you want to get to the polls.

3.  Manage Your Social Media Content

Political content and news has been  all over our social timelines lately. However, this trend is one we can take full advantage of, when trying engage our community to take action this election. Sharing an article about a candidate who inspires you or an issue that you care about is an effective way to encourage other people in your network to pay attention. Turn your Twitter fingers into trigger fingers and start adding some engaging and insightful content to your profiles about the election. You’d be surprised at just how many people you can impact, when you start  shamelessly speaking your truth.

4. Attend a Campaign Event

Campaigns are pulling out all the stops to amplify their outreach efforts, as the election nears to an end.This means there are probably  plenty of opportunities to get involved. Signing up for a campaign rally or outreach event is the perfect way to learn more about a candidate on your ballot, and help expand your understanding of where they stand on the issues. Gather a group of friends and learn which candidates inspire them, or who they are even unsure about. Team up to find events you can attend together. Pull out your best Olivia Pope outfit and flex for “the gram” to expand your reach and impact and be #CuteWoke.

5. Date at the Polls

Election season falls around the time of the year that many of us call “cuffing season.” Regardless of whether you’re already boo’d up or if you’re still choosing, you can use Election Day as a way to spice things up by voting with your future bae. Voting is free, fun and can help get to know your partner on an intellectual level. Drop a pin and send a polling location before or on Election Day, so you know it’s real.

6. Create a Calendar Invite

Many of us are so in debt to our day-to-day responsibilities, and it’s hard to keep up with deadlines, important dates and polling locations. Use an online calendar to list key election dates, like voter registration deadlines, early voting dates and of course Election Day (Nov. 6). Then you can invite friends and family to share the calendar as a reminder. If you’re unsure of these dates yourself, visit your local secretary of state’s website and search “elections” to find a list of important election dates and deadlines.

7. Listen

Before asking, listen. One the most effective way to mobilize someone is to first try understand them. Create a space to have some conversations about the political climate, and allow your community to confide in you about what concerns them.

Whether it’s an election cycle or not, everyone wants to be heard and understood. In discussing perspectives, try encouraging your friends to use their voice by casting a ballot this election. Listening to understand can help frame the conversation about voting into a personal responsibility, and could even help empower someone to vote for reasons that they haven’t yet considered.

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