TRENDING

For the next three weeks, all eyes will be on the Georgia Senate runoff races, two races that will determine which party has control of the Senate for the next two years. Runoff elections, which are held when no candidate wins the required majority of votes to be declared victorious, is codified into Georgia state law. Because no candidate won 50% of the votes during the November 3 election, the state had no choice but to permit runoff races between both sets of challengers. The candidates vying for the two remaining Senate seats are sitting Senator Kelly Loeffler and the Reverend Raphael Warnock as well as sitting Senator David Perdue and Democrat challenger Jon Ossoff.

Because the runoff races have attracted national attention, individuals from all over the country are getting involved with election efforts. Since youth are the future of Georgia—and the United States—it is *so* important for young people to get involved in the runoff, which is scheduled for January 5, 2021. We've compiled a list of some of the easiest ways to get involved with the election—no matter where you live or how old you are.

For those who live in Georgia: 

If you are registered to vote in Georgia, go vote!

If you are registered to vote in Georgia, make sure you make your voice heard by voting in the Senate runoff race. Although Election Day is January 5th, there are multiple ways to cast your ballot this year. If you plan to vote by mail, make sure you have received your absentee ballot. All registered voters who ordered absentee ballots during the November 3 election will automatically receive absentee ballots again. Absentee ballots must be received by January 5 at 7 p.m. to be counted. If you would prefer to vote in-person, you can do so during in-person early voting, which begins December 14, or you can vote on Election Day.

Sign up to canvass for a campaign you care about

Four candidates are vying for two Senate seats in the Georgia Senate runoff races. Engaging with voters face-to-face will be *so* important this election, so if you feel strongly about a candidate's platform, sign up to knock on doors in your community. Many local organizing groups are even paying students to help canvass prior to the election. If canvassing isn't your style, sign up to phone bank or text bank for a party. If you are volunteering in-person, make sure to follow all local Covid-19 regulations.

Volunteer to work the polls

Even if you don't want to work for a specific party or campaign, there are *so* many ways to get involved in this election. Georgia still needs people to volunteer to be poll watchers, election workers and ballot monitors, and you can sign up here. 

For those who live outside of Georgia:

Volunteer for a party or candidate remotely

Even if you don't live in Georgia, you can still have an impact on the outcome of this election. If you identify with a candidate's platform, check out his or her website to find ways to volunteer remotely—especially if you are passionate about talking to undecided voters in Georgia. Many candidates will have opportunities to text bank or phone bank most days between now and the election, so choose a time that works for you and sign up online. 

Don't have time to volunteer? Donate!

Whether you choose to donate to candidates, parties or organizing groups, providing financial support to campaigns is a helpful way to boost a candidate's chances as he or she enters the last leg of the race.

Campaigns taking donations:

• Raphael Warnock's campaign
• Kelly Loeffler's campaign
• Jon Ossoff's campaign
• David Perdue's campaign

Organizations taking donations:

• New Georgia Project
• Common Cause Georgia
• Black Voters Matter
• Fair Fight

by Claire Hutto | 12/13/2020