Dear ,

As of yesterday, only 6.4 percent of registered voters in Virginia had voted using early voting sites or mail-in ballots (figures from VPAP and VA Board of Elections).  With less than two weeks to go, we have work to do.

Although I care about issues and I care about particular candidates, I vote because it is my privilege and responsibility in a democracy. It is an opportunity to use the power God has given me.

If you've voted already --  great.

If you haven't, you have three options:

• Vote at an early voting site between now and Saturday Nov. 4.  Find locations near you HERE. 
• Request an absentee ballot HERE by this Friday, Oct. 27. The ballot must be delivered to your registrar or a drop box by election day or postmarked by election day and received by noon three days later. 
• Make a plan for election day, Nov. 7.  Polls show that voters are much more likely to actually vote if they have a plan for doing so. If you don't want to vote early or use an absentee ballot, make a plan. And remember, you can register the same day as you vote, thanks to Virginia's same-day voter registration law. 

Whether you've voted yet or not, we all can encourage Virginia friends and family to vote.  Simply cut and paste the information above. 

And it is not too late to encourage members of your congregation to vote. Join the more than 77 congregations in pledging to be 100 percent voting. Take the pledge HERE.  See the full list of congregations below. You'll get a free banner to hang inside or outside that publicly reminds people and you'll get a toolkit with notices for your bulletin and other resources to make 100 percent voting a reality.  Take the pledge today and help your congregation encourage its members to vote.   

Fewer than seven percent of registered voters have voted.  We can change that! 

Sincerely,

Kim Bobo
Executive Director

• Now through Nov 4: All Virginia: Early Voting
• 11.07: All Virginia: Election Day!
• 10.28 and 11.04: All Virginia: Canvassing in your Neighborhood!

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, since this election cycle has historically lower turnout. 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, likely the Greater Richmond and South Hampton Roads areas! Email Robert, our Civic Engagement Coordinator, for more information and resources. 

Voting is an important part of faithful citizenship. So far, 77 faith communities and seminaries have made the 100% Voting commitment. Click below for information and to join in!

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.  

On October 21st, VICPP Health Equity Staff member Kathryn Haines travelled to Virginia Beach to speak to both the Eastern Virginia Association of the Southern Conference United Church of Christ Annual meeting and the Southeast District Meeting of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) on Virginia’s alarming maternal mortality crisis. Please sign and share this petition to take action!

Share this Halloween-themed vaccine flyer in your bulletin.

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.