Jump to the Map

Well, it’s that time of year. Democracy’s on the line… again. The years go by and I wonder who’s the boy and who’s the wolf in this situation. Though, all of that doesn't matter because I’m here with a simpler tale. I’m here to say that VOTING is SEXY and COOL. I am here — with a unique set of skills — to bring you a map like some explorer with a chip on her shoulder. I am here to do everything in my power to contribute SOMETHING when it comes to voting in the United States. I am here because everyone should exercise their right to choose, especially this election season because CHOICE is very sexy… and very cool. 

My plea?

On your way to the ballot box, on your way to being SEXY and COOL, use this map and enjoy the fruits of these pivotal places around the country. 

My two election observations:

1. There is a certain energy in the air -- it’s that of youth, it’s that of merchandise in camo print, it’s that of TikTok. A spirit that might cast more ballots. It’s exciting.

2. This spirit cannot solve for the deeply-rooted historical biases and real-ass examples of voter suppression in this country, alone. Acts of suppression that are apparently… entirely legal (for now).

Two observations while making this map:

1. County clerk and voting websites are REALLY difficult to navigate. I am trained in this field and I REALLY had to search to get the information I needed for this project. 

2. Many folks in this country are trying to divide us. After going on a digital tour of these United States, I confirmed that I found all of these cultural heritage hotspots on the map… profoundly interesting.

My purpose here is to meet these two observations in the middle. My qualifications? Not for nothing, I helped operate a university research center that studied this very crux of information and democracy. Boring! Not for even more nothings, my education and current job reside in the camp of history, art, and cultural heritage. Yeah, yeah — get on with it already! I am entirely positioned to create a useless map of nonsensical brouhaha — of ballot box and/or early voting locations in 15 battleground counties across the country where the votes…really…REALLY matter. I am positioned to take YOU on an enjoyable journey through each of these counties.

I have tried to identify a green space, a historic restaurant, a cultural landmark, and a coffee shop in each county. Why? Voting CAN be sexy and cool, so get a coffee or look at a tree to remind yourself of this amazing power we all have -- we have the power to choose our future. Despite every obstacle put in front of us, we have the power here. Grab some pancakes or drive to some historical marker of your choosing. If you can, frolick for all I care! Bob and weave around all those barriers put in front of you by the powers that be and change those powers! In the meantime, allow me to fill up your metaphorical water cups and make this process an ounce easier while you wait in line.

I want to visit all these spots, from Nevada to Georgia and everywhere in-between. I want to hear the stories from these places. I have driven around this country twice now, and yes, it’s a dark place. However, there is so much light, and I see it in the landscapes, in the food, in the stories, and in the people.

I am a busy person. Frankly, I don’t have time to be making a map with over a hundred points of interest in my spare time. Spare time is sparse; it’s sparse for all of us. Yet, I’ll be beautiful and damned if I didn’t try to help in the ways that I know how when it comes to this election. I’ll be damned if I didn’t come out of this entire exercise clear on one simple fact: 

Say it with me… VOTING is SEXY and COOL. Don’t you want to be sexy and cool, too? Happy voting… you got this!