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Quote of the Day
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"Vote" – Us, to everyone we know.
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The Story
Election Day is here.
I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm all the things.
We feel you. There's a lot at stake: Incumbent President Donald Trump and VP Mike Pence want a lease extension at the White House and vow to "Keep America Great." Challengers former VP Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) have their eyes on the Oval Office prize and promise to "Build Back Better." The Senate has 35 seats up for grabs. The entire 435-seat House chamber is up for election. And down-ballot races are what could have the biggest impact in local communities.
Should I stay up all night?
Your call. But you probably don't need to. Just like everything else this year, voting has been wildly different. Over 98 million Americans have already voted – more than two-thirds of the number cast in 2016. And it could take a while for the record number of mail-in votes to be counted. So prepare yourself for a longer than normal wait time for the results. Here's how it could go down:
A clear win. There's a possibility Trump or Biden could get enough votes to secure a win tonight or tomorrow. Many aren't optimistic there will be a clear outcome. Because again, 2020 just hasn't been anyone's year, has it?
A delayed win. This mostly comes down to mail-in ballots. Each state has different ways of processing and counting them. Some have already started (like Florida and Arizona) but others (like Pennsylvania and Michigan – both swing states) are saying 'we need more time.' So it could take a few days before all the votes are tallied.
A contested election. If there are lawsuits over a state's voting procedures or ballot-counting, the Supreme Court may have to weigh in. It's happened before – remember Bush v Gore in 2000? If we see a repeat of that, Americans may not know who to call prez for weeks or months. And finally, option D...
A contingent election. If the candidates were to tie 269-269 in electoral votes (remember: candidates need 270 votes to clinch a win). In that case, it's up to the House of Representatives to choose the next president, and the Senate to select the vice president.
The first option, please.
We'll have to wait and see. Another important thing to watch out for: mirages. Studies have shown that registered Democrats have requested more absentee ballots than registered Republicans. So in states like FL and NC (which count those early on) it may seem like Biden is ahead (aka: a blue mirage). But those voting in person in those states may move the needle toward Trump as votes are counted. The opposite goes for PA and WI (which don't count mail-in ballots until Election Day). Initial results there could have Trump leading (aka: a red mirage) but could switch to Biden once the mail-in ballots have been tallied. Experts advise everyone to just stay patient until official results are in.
theSkimm
Election Day is always a big deal. But this year, the stakes are even greater as Americans face an ongoing pandemic, high unemployment, a climate crisis, and a reckoning over systemic racism. You have the power to choose who represents you on the local, state, and federal level on these issues and countless others. So if you haven't done so already: vote. It matters.
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It's go time. If you're hitting the polls today, here's what to keep in mind...
What to bring: Some states require an ID. Some don't. Check your state's rules here. And remember, lines in many states have been long, so bring water, snacks, or a book to help keep yourself busy.
What to wear: Today is not the day for a political fashion statement. Some states prohibit voters from wearing campaign clothing or hats as it could be seen as electioneering. You could be asked to cover it up, remove it, or even leave. So opt for some comfy, plain clothes. And don't forget your mask.
What to say before you leave: Don't give up. As long as you're in line before polls close, you're allowed to vote. And don't skip out if you're not registered: 20 states plus Washington, DC, allow for same-day voter registration. Also, if you thought you registered properly but aren't showing up on the list at the polls, some states will allow you to vote with a provisional ballot (think: a way to record your vote but count it later).
What number to save: If you see any evidence of voter intimidation, coercion, or threats, you can report it to Election Protection at 866-687-8683 or 888-839-8682 for Spanish.
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Where people are angry…
Poland. In recent weeks, tens of thousands of people have protested a ruling that bans nearly all abortions in the country. Poland is largely Catholic and already has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. Last month, a court increased those restrictions, ruling that abortion is unconstitutional in instances where a fetus is diagnosed with a serious and irreversible birth defect. Now, the procedure will only be legal if the mother's health is at risk, or in cases of rape or incest. Protesters have taken to the streets nearly every day since the ruling in the largest demonstrations since the late 1980s. And the country's prime minister is urging protesters to stay home to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.
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Where people are on high alert…
Vienna, Austria. Yesterday, at least four people died and 17 others were injured in an apparent "terror attack" that struck six different locations in the city. Authorities said police shot and killed one suspect, who was identified as an Islamic State sympathizer. Several people linked to the attacker have been arrested as police search for possible accomplices. The attack happened hours before Austria's coronavirus lockdown took effect when many Austrians were out enjoying one last night on the town. European leaders have condemned the attack. And authorities have called in the army to guard key locations in the city.
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What's making a Whopper of a statement...
Burger King. Yesterday, the fast-food chain's UK branch called on customers to order from its double archrival, McDonald's, and other food chains like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Why? In solidarity with the thousands of staff these chains employ who may need support amid COVID-19. Lovin' It.
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Today's the Day
The 2020 election is shaping up to be historic. And you might still have a chance to be a part of it. What's your voting plan? We teamed up with Hulu to make sure you have all the info you need heading into Election Day. Watch here then go be a voter.
*PS: This post is sponsored by Hulu. They've got you covered with live streaming around key election moments, like watching today's results roll in.
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Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. DIY snacks that are guaranteed to fill you up. Democracy is fun. Hanger is not. Whether you're headed to the polls or staying up all night watching results come in...make sure your snacks are prepped.
2. The best calming playlists on Spotify. Listen to the vibes you want, not the vibes you have. That's how the saying goes, right?
3. 20 puzzle apps to keep you busy. Your favorite quarantine hobby goes virtual. Goodbye missing cardboard pieces, hello sanity.
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.
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For when this tough year has left you with no steam...
We get it. You deserve to relax this holiday season. Tell this sleepwear brand what 'home' means to you and you'll have the chance to win some free, cozy, silk sleepwear. So you can get some much needed R&R. Good luck.*
For when checking your credit card bill was the scariest part of Halloweekend...
Breathe. This brand can help you refinance your existing debt, so you only make one payment a month...and save on interest. Their platform will show you prequalified personal loan rates from a bunch of top lenders. Oh, and it's free to check rates. Enie, meenie, mo' savings for you.*
For when you already know you'll need a drink later…
Welcome to Election Day. This female-first beverage brand has canned rosé, sauv blanc, pinot grigio, and a new, limited edition sparkling white. They're all zero sugar, and only 100 calories per serving. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 25% off. Pour it up, pour it up.*
For when you're tired of spending money on things that don't work…
Shop smarter. These products are reliable and *gasp* – they do more than one job. Like a five-in-one cooking utensil and power pad that can charge three devices at once. Hello, multitasking.
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
Joining forces...Erika S C and Meg D F (MD). They've created Columbia Community Care – a volunteer org that helps people in need of food amid the pandemic. And they've established food pantries and drive-by pickup that's benefitting tens of thousands in the community.
Darling it's better...Lisa M (NJ). She leads SeaSmart, a nonprofit org that educates and raises awareness for the needs for ocean conservation, marine biology, and scuba diving. The org is working to offer program scholarships for minorities and young women, who are notoriously underexposed to marine sciences. Turn the tide.
(Some) Birthdays...Alan Franklin (NY), Terri Rockovich (NY), Stephanie Swensen Buza (NY), Sophie Lin (RI), Beth Schenkel (TX), Sandy East (NC), Heather Kistler Kinz (CO), Heather Ayer (TX), Jenna Battenfield (TX), Ashley Sheppard (NY), Erin Ferrell (MT), Madeline Vick (NY), Eli Singer (MN), Madeeha Syed (DC), Selena Thor (MN)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Ellen Burke, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
