I wish it wasn’t hyperbolic to say that this election is the most important election of a lifetime. Now, I know that was said of the last election. But it seems as though things have gotten worse. If you have been in Penny Post ever or have been reading my posts here for any length of time, then you know I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. So, it won’t surprise you that I’m voting for Kamala Harris. I would normally be here encouraging you to vote in general, but this year I’m picking sides and asking you to vote for Harris. Record numbers of Republicans are supporting her – who, for many, is the first Democrat they have ever voted for – because they know what’s at stake. Absolutely no one is sitting on the sidelines this year. I’m here to ask you to join us.  Don’t sit this out. Vote for Kamala Harris. Vote for democracy. Vote for getting back to governing where we work across the aisle to make things better for our country and the world.

I know that in Northern Virginia I’m preaching to the choir about voting. The majority of people who can vote in this area are already registered. Hell, registering to vote is the first thing some kids do when they turn 18. I know mine did. While those who can vote are likely registered, I still feel like it’s our responsibility to encourage voting every election cycle. The first thing to do is make a voting plan. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan nonprofit that has been championing the right to vote since 1920, launched Vote411.org in 2006 to educate voters on the process. They are a wonderful resource for making your plan to vote.

• Confirm your voter registration status.

• If you aren’t registered, then do so before these Voter registration deadlines for the November 5 election:

  • Online registration deadline: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

  • Register by mail deadline: Must be postmarked by Tuesday, October 15, 2024

  • In person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day

• Know your rights and review the voting rules in your state.  

• Virginia requires an ID to vote, so make sure you have a proper one and it is up to date.  

• Find your polling place.

• Request your absentee ballot.  Requests must be submitted by 5pm 11 days before the election. For 2024, that is October 25.

• Early voting has already started in Virginia. You have until November 2 to vote early.  Know where to go and how to vote. To vote in-person in Alexandria there are four voting places:

• Office of Voter Registration and Elections at 132 N Royal St, #100

• Charles Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St

• Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City Public High School, 3775 Braddock Rd

• George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave

• Research the candidates for all the elections and referendums.

Finally, spread the word to friends and family far and wide. Encourage them to vote, share this resource for making a voting plan, express your intentions to vote with a few of our favorites at Penny Post, and if you have to, drive them to the polls!  

From now until the election we will be giving away a sticker created by WhimsyDew Art with every purchase.  And this weekend we will be adding an I’m A Voter pin (similar to the sticker below) to every purchase of $50 or more.  Get in on the action and share your intentions!

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