Indivisible Illinois VBM Social Media Toolkit
To make it easier to use this toolkit go here:
bit.ly/VBM-SocialMedia
If you need help on how to use this toolkit, CLICK HERE
Table of Contents
- Background
- Events
- Graphics
- Hashtags
- Twitterstorm Tips
- Sample Posts Specific Areas
- Follow Each Other
- Other Types of Communication
- Support Content
- Twitter Training
Background🔝
The goal of the VBM Taskforce is to ensure that voting is safe, secure and accessible in November and beyond for all voters. Our tagline is #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS.
We will accomplish this by working with Election Authorities such as the Election Clerks and Directors of Elections to effectively implement the expanded VBM statewide legislation.
Here’s how:
- We have been asked by Election Authorities to apply for our VBM ballots as soon as possible and preferable online. I’ve requested mine. I encourage you to do the same.
- We have also been asked by Election Authorities to use social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to spread the word to our networks to request our applications now. Email works too!
- Election Authorities want our help in encouraging voters who have relocated in recent months on the need to update their registrations at the State Board of Elections' online registration system. Link
Messaging:
- The only way we’re going to avoid long lines at polling places and exposing vulnerable voters to the virus this November is by persuading as many people as possible to vote-by-mail as soon as possible.
- Traditionally, our preference has been to vote at the polls, however the pandemic requires that we change course. We need to request our applications online.
- When feasible and tell everyone in our networks to do the same. There are some voters such as people with disabilities, people with language barriers and the disenfranchised whose situations necessitate that they vote at the polls.
- Those of us that can request our ballots online should do so to free up space at the polls for those that can not.
- Let’s work together to expand the electorate and mitigate risks to poll workers by requesting our vote-by-mail applications.
Events🔝
LAST Twitterstorm: Wednesday, October 28 from noon to 2pm CT
Storm Day | Message Goal |
10/28 | Early Voting & Election Day, Fair Tax |
11/4 | Potential - Day After Election: “calm” folks if results not out yet |
Graphics🔝
Please include a graphic/video in your social media posts!
ALL VBM Graphics: CLICK HERE
TODAY’S Graphics: CLICK HERE
Video: bit.ly/VirusFreeVotingVideo (90-second nationally focused compilation video
Chicago Votes and Just Democracy
These organizations have put together really great resources to share regarding elections and FAQs, mainly for Chicago but most information is applicable to the entire state! Check out:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1d2Vz01bzWTXwrszD3lqk0woVjinuNO5D .
Hashtags🔝
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
Must be used in every tweet to track results
#twill
#NovemberIsComing
#Election2020
#VoteByMail
#VoteEarly
#PlanYourVote
#VoteReady
Twitter🔝
MORE SAMPLE TWEETS: bit.ly/VBM-SampleTweets
Detailed info about VBM: virusfreevotingillinois.org
Early Voting/Election Day & Fair Tax
DOWNLOAD GRAPHICS: CLICK HERE
Early voting season has started. Illinois voters may go to their local election office during normal business hours to cast an in person early vote. Find your early voting site here: Virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly
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Hesitant to fill out your ballot? Just not sure what to expect? Discover what is on your ballot. Check out ballotready.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly #PlanYourVote
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Voting is your superpower. Use it! VOTE EARLY. Find your early voting location using @IndivisibleIL Virusfreevotingillinois.org guide. #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly #twill @IndivisibleTeam
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“You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. That’s it; that’s the way we move forward.” @MichelleObama #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly #PlanYourVote
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“Casting a ballot isn't just something you do for yourself — it's for our collective future.” @Oprah
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly #PlanYourVote #twill
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“Our nation is asking to hear your voice because November is coming and so is your choice. Do not throw away your shot.” @Lin_Manuel #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly #PlanYourVote #twill
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What is your voting plan?
Check out Virusfreevotingillinois.org & get answers to all your voting questions!
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly #PlanYourVote #twill
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Need to make a plan to cast YOUR vote? Everything you need is at VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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I know we're all exhausted. But this is it, it's go time.
Vote.
Become a poll worker.
Get your friends to do the same.
VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
Everyone in Chicago can use any early polling place. Click here to find the one that's most convenient for you.
www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/early-voting-opens-in-all-50-wards-in-chicago-heres-a-full-list-of-locations/2353723/ They're all open 7 days/wk, from now through Election Day.
VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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In Illinois, no one needs an "excuse" to vote by mail - because voting is a right!
Make your plan to vote now: VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org #VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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Don't let anyone confuse you. #VoteByMail is secure, tried & tested. There are checks & balances in place and voters in most states can track the status of their ballot online. If you have your ballot, go drop it off at a secure drop box NOW! Visit virusfreevotingillinois.org to check the locations and dates.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
Have you voted yet???
If not, make your plan NOW. Start here: VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
There are in-person polling places now open all over the city.
You have options, but you don't have time to wait!
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
This enthusiasm to vote is awesome.
But if you don't have hours to stand in line, you can STILL order a mail-in ballot in Illinois.
But you gotta do it asap.
Start here: VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
If you don't have your voting plan figured out yet, you've still got OPTIONS.
You can also vote safely in person all over the city, 7 days/wk.
The only thing you CAN'T do is wait.
VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
In Chicago, there's one *outdoor* dropbox, at 69 W Washington. It's available 24/7 through Election Day.
But there are FIFTY dropboxes inside of early polling places - one in every ward, open 7 days/wk.
Find out more: VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org #VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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Democracy is a verb.
If you don't vote you can't complain.
VOTE!
virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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Your vote is secret. No one, not even election officials, can see who you vote for. Your vote is safe and secure -- however you choose to #BeAVoter. Have any questions or issues voting? Contact 866-OUR-VOTE.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
What's your voting plan?
Find out more: virusfreevotingillinois.org
Early polling places are now open everywhere in the state, 7 days/wk now through Election Day.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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What’s your vote plan? Are you registered to vote? Do you have questions about in person voting or #VoteByMail? Head to vote.org to ensure you are #VoteReady. 📞866-OUR-VOTE for nonpartisan help if you have questions.
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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The right to #vote
is how we determine the future for our families, communities& country.Stronger as a nation when more people participate in our #democracy.You have a plan to vote & make your voice heard?V Get #VoteReady
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Voting in person?
- Confirm the hours for your polling place.
- Show up early and save time.
And wear a mask - observe social distancing!
Check out http://virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VotePlanReady #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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Who's voted already? Tell me your voting story!
This is the biggest election of our lives - make it memorable!
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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You’re more likely to vote if you have a plan.
How are you voting? (In person? Early?)
Where? (Know the address?)
What do you need to bring? (Snacks? A chair?)
If you need help making YOUR plan, go to virusfreevotingillinois.org now!
Get #VotePlanReady
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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This is the most important election of our lives. Voting is CRITICAL, but not the only thing you need to do: Become a poll worker or poll observer. Help get out the vote.
Any questions? Check out virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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Don't delay returning your mail ballot. Studies have shown that returning your ballot ASAP is the #1 thing you can do to make sure it's counted properly. #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
Got Q's? Check out the @IndivisibleIllinois website for more info virusfreevotingillinois.org
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Have you already voted by mail? Encourage others to do the same!
Take a video of you privately completing your ballot and then placing it in a secure dropbox. #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
For questions about how to vote safely & securely in IL:
virusfreevotingillinois.org
------------------------------
Who's voting early in Chicago? Tell me one part of your plan:
• How are you getting there?
• Are you bringing snacks? A folding chair?
• Are you voting with others?
• Have a book, playlist, video for while you wait?
virusfreevotingillinois.org #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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We all want our ballot counted. But don't fall for the latest lie that if a poll worker writes on your ballot, it invalidates it.
The truth: judges in IL are asked to initial every ballot as part of the election security process.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
snopes.com/fact-check/poll-workers-ballots-invalidated/
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There's a lie going around that a stray mark on your ballot will invalidate it. This isn't true!
If your ballot won't scan, the judge will spoil it & give you a new ballot.
If it's a mail-in ballot, you'll be notified & given 14 days to fix it.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
Basis for these tweets (just for information, not to be included in the text of the tweet): snopes.com/fact-check/poll-workers-ballots-invalidated/
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Voting by mail never exposes your personal information to creditors, law enforcement, the CDC or anyone else - even though new robocalls to IL voters say the opposite.
Read the statement from IL Atty General Kwame Raoul:
illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2020_09/20200903.html
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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Voting by mail is secure and confidential, and it's the best safeguard against COVID-19 exposure. Voters should disregard any robocalls that say the opposite.
Read the statement from IL Atty Gen Kwame Raoul:
illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2020_09/20200903.html
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
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It's safe & secure to vote in IL - both by mail and at early polling places.
But if you think you've experienced fraud, call the Consumer Fraud Hotline:
800-386-5438 (Chicago)
800-243-0618 (Springfield)
Or contact the IL Board of Elections: 217-782-4141
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
Privacy is critical with vote by mail ballots in IL. That's why nothing on the outside of the envelope says whether you're Democrat or Republican - despite some of the disinformation that says otherwise.
Voting by mail in IL is safe & secure!
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
Everyone in Chicago can use any early polling place. Click below to find the one that's most convenient for you.
They're all open 7 days/wk, from now through Election Day.
------------------------------
I know we're all exhausted. But this is it, it's go time.
Vote.
Volunteer.
And get your friends to do the same.
------------------------------
Standing in a 6-hr line to vote might give you a good story to tell your grandkids, but it sure does put a crimp in your day!
Avoid lines (& stay safe) by voting by mail! It's not too late to order a mail-in ballot.
Start here: VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
------------------------------
Need to make a plan to cast YOUR vote? Everything you need is at VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org
------------------------------
What is your voting plan?
Check out virusfreevotingillinois.org & get answers to all your voting questions!
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteEarly
------------------------------
Don't delay returning your mail ballot. Studies have shown that returning your ballot ASAP, eases the processing and helps expedite the processing. #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
Any questions? Check out the @IndivisibleIllinois website for more information virusfreevotingillinois.org
------------------------------
The upcoming election will be incredibly important. It's not only important to complete and send your ballot ASAP, but to further participate. Become a poll worker, poll observer or help get out the vote.
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS. Any questions? Check out virusfreevotingillinois.org
------------------------------
You’re more likely to vote if you have a plan.
Knowing how and when you’re voting, and what
you need to bring with you, makes voting easy.
Today, we’re helping you make a plan to vote! Go to virusfreevotingillinois.org right NOW! And get #VotePlanReady
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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#VotePlanReady = flexibility, shorter lines, managing your own schedule, allowing for safer social distancing, and reducing crowds.
A win-win for you, your loved ones, and your community.
Make your plan TODAY at virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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Voting in person? Confirm the hours for your polling place. If you get to your polling place late in the day, lines might be longer. Show up early and save time #VotePlanReady virusfreevotingillinois.org #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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Whether you’re #VoteByMail (get to that dropbox!) #VoteEarly or on #ElectionDay , make sure you’ve got your plan down!
Make your plan TODAY at virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
------------------------------
Voting in person? Confirm the hours for your polling place. If you get there later, lines might be longer. Show up early, save time, and don’t plan to vote after work if it closes early. #VotePlanReady
Make yours TODAY at virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
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Planning on #EarlyVoting or on #ElectionDay ? If you are in line by the time the polls close, you can still vote. Voting is a right, and you have the right to stay in line! #VotePlanReady
Make your plan TODAY at virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
------------------------------
“What does it mean to be #VoteReady?”
Great question! Get started by:
Checking registration
Making a plan to vote
And having your network do the same.
Find everything you need to vote at virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
------------------------------
Secure Drop Boxes
Got your #VoteByMail ballot? Tips:
Read the instructions (may vary)
Carefully fill it out
Sign where indicated
Insert into the envelope(s)
Seal it (no tape!)
Any questions? Contact your local election authority, find their info at virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
------------------------------
Encourage other voters to request the mail ballots!
Take a video of you privately completing your ballot and then placing it in a secure drop box. #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
If you have any voting questions, check our ad free website virusfreevotingillinois.org
------------------------------
You have options in returning your ballot. We suggest that you use a secure dropbox or drop it off at your election official's office. #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS. Any questions? Check out the @IndivisibleIllinois website for more information virusfreevotingillinois.org.
------------------------------
New Suburban Polling Places + Dropboxes at Libraries
Ready to vote early? The entire state of Illinois now has locations open. Here are all the locations for suburban Cook County.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations
------------------------------
Union Station is now a polling place!
• Suburban voters: you can cast an in-person ballot or drop off your sealed mail-in ballot.
• Chicago voters: you can only drop off a sealed mail-in ballot.
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Are you a commuter or employee who uses Union Station? You can now vote there!
• Suburban voters: cast an in-person ballot or drop off your sealed mail-in ballot.
• Chicago voters: you can only drop off a mail-in ballot.
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Suburban Chicago voters: Union Station is now a polling place for you! You can vote in person or drop off your mail-in ballot.
Chicago voters, you can also use the supersite's dropbox to return your mail-in ballot.
https://abc7chicago.com/vote-illinois-register-to-early-voting-il/7152027/
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26 Chicago Public Libraries now have ballot dropboxes!
There are also still ballot boxes at every early polling place.
See the article for a full list of locations you can drop off your sealed mail-in ballot.
https://www.chipublib.org/news/early-voting-begins-october-1-find-locations-hours/
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Chicago is making it easier and easier to vote. They've now added dropboxes at 26 public libraries. See the article for locations.
These libraries also have Board of Elections staff to answer all your voting questions.
https://www.chipublib.org/news/early-voting-begins-october-1-find-locations-hours/
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Village Halls all over Suburban Chicago are now open: Arlington Heights, Barrington Hills, Elk Grove Village, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Streamwood, Pk Ridge & Palatine.
Click for the full list.
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Fair Tax
Vote YES for the Fair Tax Amendment - it will help our economy thrive by getting the wealthiest Illinoisans to pay their fair share. It will NOT tax our retirement income!
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
--------------------------------
The old way of taxing income in IL is unfair and inadequate. We can fix it. Get the facts on #FairTaxNow and learn how you can help:yesforfairtax.org #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS www.virusfreevotingillinois.org
--------------------------------
Illinois’ tax system is unfair. Together, we can fix it. Join me in voting YES for #FairTaxNow- yesforfairtax.org
#VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS www.virusfreevotingillinois.org
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The Fair Tax will lift the burden from the middle class and those struggling to get there: 97% of taxpayers will get a tax cut or pay no more than they do now. Find out more- yesforfairtax.org #FairTaxNow #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS www.virusfreevotingillinois.org
--------------------------------
IL is one of only 9 states w/ flat income tax & one of only 4 states that constitutionally require a flat income tax. Even the federal
government has a Fair Tax system. It’s time for #FairTaxNow. www.yesforfairtax.org #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
www.virusfreevotingillinois.org
--------------------------------
In Nov, IL voters have the chance to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share and the tax burden is lifted off middle and working-class families. www.yesforfairtax.org #FairTaxNow #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS www.virusfreevotingillinois.org
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TruthBrigade / countering disinformation
We care about the integrity of our elections and love when election officials quickly fix errors. Some politicians use these errors to make us feel that our votes won’t count. Do not let this affect our confidence in our system or our willingness to vote.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
If you're a registered voter in IL, the only thing you need to vote is your signature.
That said, it's not a bad idea to bring an ID, just in case you aren't *quite* as registered as you thought you were. Like, if you moved and didn't re-register.
Qs? Virusfreevotingillinois.org
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
Every mail-in ballot in IL has a tracking link. So if someone actually STOLE your ballot and FORGED your signature (the latest imaginary voter fraud disinformation), you would know. That person would then be held accountable for those 2 felonies.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
#TruthBrigade
------------------------------
Privacy is critical with vote by mail ballots in IL. That's why nothing on the outside of the envelope says whether you're Democrat or Republican - despite some of the disinformation that says otherwise.
Voting by mail in IL is safe & secure!
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois #TruthBrigade
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Voting by mail never exposes your personal information to creditors, law enforcement, the CDC or anyone else - even though new robocalls to IL voters say the opposite.
https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2020_09/20200903.html
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois
------------------------------
There's a lie going around that a stray mark on your ballot will invalidate it. This isn't true!
If your ballot won't scan, the judge will spoil it & give you a new ballot.
If it's a mail-in ballot, you'll be notified & given 14 days to fix it.
#VirusFreeVotingIllinois #TruthBrigade
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RT: https://twitter.com/cookcountyclerk/status/1313545736655577088?s=20
RT: https://twitter.com/ChicagoElection/status/1315699204560429057?s=20
RT: https://twitter.com/ChicagoElection/status/1316379118985007104?s=20
RT: https://twitter.com/ChicagoElection/status/1316378557166350336?s=20 (Spanish version)
RT: https://twitter.com/cookcountyclerk/status/1313931983744049154?s=20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great “How to Vote in IL” YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJbROe8JYm4&feature=youtu.be
Another great video: https://indivisibleillinois.org/plan-your-vote-at-virusfreevotingillinois-org/
Helpful Hints for Twitterstorm🔝
Here are some helpful hints for tweeting. Please add your own helpful hints too.
- There is a character limit of 280 on Twitter
- You can link to articles; if you do, it’s a good idea to pull out meaningful quotes or make a comment about the article
- Include the hashtags in everything
- When you are tagging your someone, if that is the first word in your post, place a dot/period before their name. For example: .@CountyClerk There is a dot before the @ sign. That gives it a broader audience (otherwise it only shows up on your clerk’s feed)
- Add graphs, images, and memes to your post because that gives it wider exposure
- Follow each other, be sure to “like” everybody’s tweets to increase visibility
- Post positive and uplifting Tweets
- Do not respond to Trolls
- Try to “Retweet with comment” and write something or add some hashtags.
Twitterstorm Guidelines
- Feel free to alter the words, articles or graphics but not the basic message
- Add images, graphics and memes
- Hashtags: Main is #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #NovemberIsComing,
Others are #VoteByMail #VoteSafe #Vote2020 #twill
Messaging for Twitterstorms
- Ensure your right to #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS #VoteByMail
- We demand safe, secure, and accessible elections! #VoteByMail #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
- Avoid long lines and the risk of COVID-19 #VoteByMail #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
- #NovemberIsComing and time is of the essence, act now to request your #VoteByMail application and help County Clerk's run efficient elections. #NovemberIsComing #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS
Facebook🔝
Facebook Images: bit.ly/VBM-Horizontal
Sample Facebook post #1
Sample Facebook post #2
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILVOTE/permalink/2744965455826455/
Sample Facebook post #3
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILVOTE/permalink/2721417414847926/?comment_id=2721434761512858&hc_location=ufi
Sample Facebook post #4
https://www.facebook.com/ed.spire/posts/10218542148157971
Sample Facebook post #5
STEP 1: Register to Vote in Illinois/Check your registration at https://ova.elections.il.gov/ - Verify that you are still registered.
STEP 2: Apply to Vote-by-Mail in your voting jurisdiction and spread the word
ONLINE IS PREFERRED
FIND YOUR JURISDICTION BELOW:
Or check out VirusFreeVotingIllinois.org for more counties!
Sample Posts for Specific Areas🔝
Facebook and Twitter options for Chicago, Suburban Cook and Champaign.
POST OFTEN!
CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Please help us spread the word in Chicago by widely distributing these social media posts from the Chicago Board of Elections:
Suggested hashtags: #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS, #NovemberIsComing, #Vote2020, #VoteSafe, #VoteByMail
- TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChicagoElection/status/1273280535687823362?s=19
- FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/247255945721683/posts/972219369892000/
SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY
Please help us expand the electorate in Suburban Cook County by widely distributing these social media posts:
Suggested hashtags: #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS, #NovemberIsComing, #Vote2020, #VoteSafe, #VoteByMail
- TWITTER: https://twitter.com/cookcountyclerk/status/1275121572047540224?s=20
- FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CookCountyClerk/posts/
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
Please help us spread the word in Champaign by widely distributing these social media posts:
Suggested hashtags: #VirusFreeVotingILLINOIS, #NovemberIsComing, #Vote2020, #VoteSafe, #VoteByMail
- TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChampCtyClerk/status/1280545499376947200?s=20
- FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ChampaignCountyClerk
Other jurisdictions, please check their social media accounts to retweet, repost, etc. to help avoid potentially long lines and health risks at the polls. Please add them here if you find any!
Instagram🔝
Ballot Z is an online initiative to increase turnout among Gen Z voters in Illinois, and we have an active social media presence to promote various aspects of voting in Illinois. Below is a link to all of our infographics. Please share as much as you can! We just ask that you tag @ballot.z (@ballot_z for Twitter) so voters are updated with all our most recent posts too. Email us at questions@ballot-z.org with any questions or suggestions.
Ballot Z Infographics - Google Drive
Sample Instagram post #1
Instagram Square Images: bit.ly/VBM-Square
Mail-in ballots are the safest way of voting during this pandemic - for all of us, but especially for the vulnerable or those who lack access to transportation. For the healthy among us, voting by mail lets us free up space at the polls for those who must vote in person. We can avoid long lines at polling places and prevent exposing vulnerable voters to the virus this November by voting by mail.
Stay in Touch🔝
If you are interested in social media training, we can help you with that. Please let us know at rcolacino@indivisibleil.com!
GET CREATIVE AND CRAFT YOUR OWN EMAILS, TWEETS, FACEBOOK AND
INSTAGRAM POSTS MAINTAINING MESSAGING SUGGESTED ABOVE.
We deserve to have Virus Free Voting
Please use the Virus Free Voting Social Media kit to call, email, tweet and write to our networks to request our vote-by-mail applications today.
Let’s Follow Each Other! Add your handle here:
Lori Ashikawa: @loriashikawa
Rose Colacino: @RoseCar1989
Karen Goldman: @PersistList
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth: @lenihoppenworth
Annie Williams: @annoir
Nick Uniejewski: @nickuniejewski
Etta Worthington @ettaw
Resistance Buttons @resistancebadge
Jonathon Rogoff: @JonathonRogoff
Ed Spire: @ed_spire
Lorena Pereira: @Lorena07pereira
Patrick Watson @PatrickWatson83
Che Arthur @real_dr_lling
Kathy Carter @Travelbug21
TracyAnne McSorley @tamcsorley
Justin Marcoviche-Garnett @justyontop
Sara Horan @NWSOFAsara
Adam Broad @broadcoalition and @adambroad2020
Julia Kline @Julia_Kline
@MichaelAaron64
ILLINOIS Organizations! Please add yours:
Indivisible IL: @IndivisibleIL
Indivisible IL 9th District Andersonville/Edgewater: @indivisible9IL
Indivisible Dupage: @IndivisDuPage
Indivisible Western Front:
Indivisible Guide: @IndivisibleTeam
CCIL3: @CCIL3rd
Indivisible Chicago: @IndivisibleChi
Indivisible Evanston: @IndivisibleEV
Indivisible Chicago South-Side: @IndivChi_South
She Votes IL: @SheVotesIL
Indivisible Metro East: @IndivMetroEast
Western Front Indivisible: @WFIndivisible
NWSOFA: @nwsofa
Ballot Z: @ballot_z (Twitter), @ballot.z (Instagram)
Conversation Z: @z_conversation (Twitter) @conversationzpodcast (Instagram)
ILLINOIS ELECTED OFFICIALS:
National/Federal
Joe Biden @JoeBiden
Kamala Harris @KamalaHarris
Tammy Duckworth @SenDuckworth
Dick Durbin @SenatorDurbin
IL-1 Bobby Rush @RepBobbyRush
IL-2 Robin Kelly @RepRobinKelly (@RobinLynneKelly also exists but …)
IL-3 Marie Newman @Marie4Congress (Dan Lipinski is the current; but Marie will be taking office in Nov)
IL-4 Chuy Garcia @ChuyForCongress and @RepChuyGarcia @ChuyForCongress (Both active)
IL-5 Mike Quigley @RepMikeQuigley
IL-6 Sean Casten @RepCasten and @SeanCasten (both active)
IL-7 Danny Davis @RepDannyDavis
IL-8 Raja Krishnamoorthi @CongressmanRaja
IL-9 Jan Schakowsky @JanSchakowsky is the official account (@RepSchakowsky exists, but ...)
IL-10 Brad Schneider @RepSchneider
IL-11 Bill Foster @RepBillFoster (@Foster4Congress also exists but …)
IL-12 Michael Bost @BostforCongress
IL-13 Rodney Davis @RodneyDavis
IL-14 Lauren Underwood @RepUnderwood and @LaurenUnderwood (both active)
IL-15 John Shimkus @RepShimkus
IL-16 Adam Kinzinger @RepKinzinger
IL-17 Cheri Bustos @RepCheri
IL-18 Darin LaHood @RepLaHood
ELECTED OFFICIALS -
State
IL State 6 Sara Feigenholtz @SenatorSara6
Other Communication Mediums🔝
Call Script
Hi, my name is [First Name] and I live in [City]. I’m calling because I’m concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our upcoming elections in November. Given the potential challenges of the pandemic to the November elections, we are encouraging voters to avoid long lines and the potential exposure to the virus by requesting their application to vote-by-mail online as soon as possible. Election Clerks need ample time to properly process the multitude of expected applications. Please verify your jurisdiction and we can direct you to the appropriate election authority to request your application today.
Find the Voters’ Local Election Official
Elections are administered locally by the state’s 108 election authorities. These are the county clerks in 101 counties, one county election commissions and six municipal election commissions.
Find election officials here: www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionAuthorities.aspx
Who to call: VAN list, your group’s membership listing!
Letters-to-the-Editor
Write LTE about the importance of VBM
Basic framework of an LTE, separated by paragraphs
- Identify problem
- Critique response/lack of response to problem
- Present facts and propose your argument
- Summarize your argument and propose a way to address the problem in a better way
Here’s a Chicago Facebook group to join to work on LTEs with fellow Indivisibles and one for a Facebook group in IL-13
Media Contacts
- Chicago Tribune:
- Email: letters@chicagotribune.com or use this form here (good guidelines for submission on that page)
- Current Letters to the Editor can be seen here.
- Chicago Sun-Times:
- Email: letters@suntimes.com or here’s a form.
- Current Letters to the Editor can be seen here.
- Daily Herald (Chicago Suburbs) fencepost@dailyherald.com
- Suburban Life Publications (Chicago Suburbs) letters@mysuburbanlife.com
- Patch: write an opinion piece: https://patch.com/info/posting-instructions
Chicago Reader: https://m.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ReaderContacttheReader/Page
Email Script
Dear [Recipient]
My name is [First Name] and I live in [City]. I’m writing to you because I am concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our upcoming elections. We need to secure our elections and make sure everyone can safely cast their votes.
Chicago voters may apply NOW to Vote By Mail ahead of the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.
chicagoelections.gov/en/vote-by-mail.html
Those who apply now will be first in line to receive ballots when ballot mailings start in late Sept. and early Oct.
As you likely have heard, this option is available now thanks to Gov. Pritzker's signing of sweeping legislation to empower voters to vote safely and have more options for accessing and returning the ballot this fall. The legislation:
- Allows for the immediate processing of Vote By Mail applications, instead of 90 days before Election Day
- Greatly expands the application processes to vote by mail,
- Grows Early Voting schedules,
- Provides the option to submit Ballot Return Envelopes at Secured Drop Boxes at all of our Early Voting sites, and,
- Makes Nov. 3 a state holiday to assure access to more governmental facilities for the city's 2,069 precincts.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely
Your name
Your address
Who to email: Your network!
Support Content🔝
What is a Twitterstorm
A Twitterstorm is a sudden spike in activity surrounding a certain topic on Twitter. Using a certain and ideally an original hashtag, the tweet quickly spreads as people are notified of the message and then reuse the hashtag with subsequent retweets and tweets. The goal is to trend (at least locally) to gain attention. (Source: Techopedia.)
How to Use This Toolkit🔝
- The best way to view this toolkit is to go to bit.ly/VBM-SocialMedia
- Then click on Graphics in the Table of Contents to choose your image. Make sure you select the correct format:
- Horizontal (Facebook and Twitter)
- Square (Instagram and Facebook)
- You can select the image and copy & paste to the platform (Facebook and Twitter)
OR you can right-click on the image, then save it to your computer, and upload it to your post.
- Then select on Table of Contents the platform you are using (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to copy and paste a sample post. Feel free to change the wording, just make sure you stay on message!
- The last step is to go to Hashtags, and copy & paste some or all # to your post.
*If you click 🔝 it will take you back to the top of the document at the Table of Contents.
TaskForce Action Steps
https://bit.ly/VBM_actions
Indivisible Illinois Social Media Messaging Guide & Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FjSy5AoERnkB5dQESP9tPstZdsf5kpgEPN8bjX-3YVM/edit?usp=sharingHow to save an image in Google docs
https://woorkup.com/how-to-save-images-from-google-docs/
Twitter Coaching with Karen Goldman/Persist List
EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 11am CT before the storm!
Join here: http://bit.ly/TwitterTrainingGOTV
Recorded video
https://www.facebook.com/indivisibleillinois/videos/294759368499323
Just Tweet It: Twitter Coaching Slides
How to Get Started on Twitter
https://www.lifewire.com/sending-tweets-beginners-guide-1950027
"Definitions for 34 Twitter Terms You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask About"
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/34-twitter-terms-defined-list