Election Day is here! In just the last few days we have seen an escalation of voter suppression efforts from tear gas to road blockades. Our democratic process must be guided by the will of the people, not by bigots and others who attempt to keep people from voting.
Protecting the integrity of our elections protects our democracy and the civil rights and freedoms of everyone in our region. That is why San Diego Pride is working in coalition with our regional social justice partners to ensure that historically and systemically marginalized communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties can vote safely and have our votes counted.
Voting in person:
Polls are open 7 am – 8 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Find your polling location here
Please remember that if you are in line at a voting location by 8 pm today, you have the right to vote.
Your polling location may be different from previous elections! Be sure to check this before you go vote.
Voter support for our transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming community:
Poll workers should not question your ability to vote because your personal appearance does not conform to stereotypes associated with your legal name or gender marker listed on your ID. It is illegal for a poll worker to prevent you from voting. If a poll worker does challenge your right to vote, simply ask for their name and title and write them both down. If you still need assistance, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. More information on your rights can be found here.
Mail Ballot Drop-Off Locations:
You may drop off your completed ballot at any of the drop off locations. The hours for dropping off your mail ballots will be 7 am – 8 pm at all locations on election day.
See all San Diego County locations here.
If you encounter any issues at the polls:
English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA
Asian Languages: 1-888-API-VOTE
Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US
Delayed Results:
It’s also important to remember that there may be races where there is no clear winner on election night. This can create confusion, and it’s important to remember that a free and fair election is when all voters have an equal opportunity to cast their ballot and where all votes are counted. This year, the process may take longer, and that’s ok; in fact, that likely means the system is working.
Thank you all for engaging in the democratic process. Thank you for voting. Thank you to all the volunteers who’ve helped us reach thousands of people through our nonpartisan LGBTQ voter turnout efforts. Working to ensure the integrity of our democracy takes all of us working together, and Together We Rise.
Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
