Dear ,

Last night was almost the last of our nine candidate forums or meet and greets. We partnered with the NAACP and League of Women Voters on these forums. We learned a lot about the candidates, asking them questions about the issues we care about – affordable housing, health equity, criminal justice reform and support for working families.  

Yesterday was the last day for “regular” voter registration, but luckily in Virginia we have same day voter registration, and you can register during early voting as well as on Election Day itself. The ballots cast while registering count after they’ve been confirmed as valid. We are encouraging everyone to vote early so you don’t have to stand in line or worry that you might be busy on election day.

Here’s a blurb you can use for your congregation’s newsletter or bulletin or that you can share with friends and families urging early voting and same day registration.

Have you voted yet in Virginia's General Assembly elections? Between now and November 4 you can vote early and register (if you need to) when you vote early. Here's the list of early voting locations https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-voting-office-locations/.  Absentee ballots must be requested by October 27. You can also register and vote on November 7 at your home polling place.   

Last week some friends reached out because their landlord raised their rent, and they can’t afford it. The mom and dad both work but at minimum wage jobs. The adult daughter has an infant and a toddler and can’t afford childcare so she too can work. It is a hot mess. I’m reaching out to various folks on this situation, but it is illustrative of why our work is so important. We need to have more affordable housing options for people. We need the minimum wage to go up, which will only happen in Virginia if the General Assembly approves the reenactment clause on the minimum wage bill passed in 2020. We need affordable childcare.

These are issues Virginia Interfaith Center works on. The issues affect real people. We need a General Assembly that will focus on building more affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, and providing support for working families like childcare. We are working on factsheets on these and other policy issues. I’ll go into more details after the election.  

Thank you for all your work to lift up the concerns of working people this season.  

Sincerely,

Kim Bobo
Executive Director

• Now: All Virginia: Early Voting
• 10/21: Virginia Beach: Maternal Mortality Presentation, Sentara Hospital
• 10/22: Arlington & Alexandria: Meet the Candidates, Walter Reed Community Center
• 11/07: All Virginia: Election Day!

Voting is an important part of faithful citizenship. So far, 66 faith communities have made the 100% Voting pledge. Click below for information and to join in!

Join us in encouraging people to participate in the democratic process! We will be knocking on doors of people who have voted inconsistently in the past on the final two Saturdays before November's election. This election cycle has historically had lower turnout, so individual votes make a big difference. You can organize canvassing in your neighborhood or with your congregation (and we would be happy to help put together the ground work). Or you can join in with VICPP efforts in a few jurisdictions! Email Robert Lester, our Civic Engagement Coordinator, for more information and resources. 

Volunteer to be an election protection voter advocate on election day, November 7, in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Loudoun or Prince William. Election Protection voter advocates are the first line of defense for voting rights across Virginia. You will join a network of hundreds of Virginians across the Commonwealth answering questions and reporting problems during early voting and on election day. Volunteers are trained and guided throughout the entire process and are paid a stipend for their work. Become a defender of democracy and sign up to protect the vote. Click below to register and find shift times and locations.  

Not sure about your district or your registration?

If you aren’t sure about your new House and Senate districts, check today at the fabulous website run by the Virginia Public Access Project – VPAP. Simply type your home address and you’ll get info about your new House and Senate Districts and who is running in the primary election and the general election. 

Or, if you are not sure if you are registered, you can confirm your registration by checking with the Virginia Department of Elections using the button below. Don't forget, Virginia has same day voter registration, so make a plan to vote on election day even if you're not registered!

The greatest impact cannot be made alone. Get involved with VICPP and be a part of the mission to advocate for a more just and sustainable world, starting right here in our own communities. 

Click the buttons below to spread the word and to forward this email, and to donate to VICPP, an organization that has been doing impactful work for decades.   

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates racial, social, and economic justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action.