Article by: Abbie Stutzer
So, your partner says they aren’t political because the political system is broken. Or that voting is a waste of time because everyone on the ballot is a liar.
There are countless reasons a person can come up with to rationalize why it’s totally OK to not vote. But the thing is, all of those reasons are
total bullshit.
Because when you really get down to it, every politician—no matter how much they may inevitably lie or backtrack—does stand for certain policies. And if your partner cares about any of those policies—climate change, health care, LGBTQ rights—they should vote.
But I’m not trying to convince you or I; we’re politically savvy and probably already know who we are voting for, or have already cast an early ballot. So, this post is dedicated to you—the tired partner in a one-way politically enthusiastic relationship. We want to help you convince your politically apathetic lover to cast a vote in the 2018 midterm elections.
Make a date out of it
We get it. Most polling places are very unsexy. Hell, my polling spot is a local train station… But you know what is sexy? Going out and doing something that’s important with your partner.
One excellent way to get your partner to the polls is by making a day of it. November 6—the day when most Americans vote—is not a national holiday. So, if you and your partner have the means, we suggest you take the day off.
Start off Election Day by voting, then follow your ballot casting with a long lunch. Finish the day by attending a local election results party. Showing your partner the excitement other voters feel while anticipating election results could help make them a life-long voter.
If you can’t afford to take the day off, simply make a date of voting; maybe go to breakfast after casting a vote, or meet up to vote during lunch. You even could end the day by casting your vote before having an intimate dinner out.
They can complain if their candidate doesn’t win
Lots of people like to complain about things. That’s OK! The world does kind of suck. However, if you don’t try to stop or change the thing you complain about, then you have no right to complain about said thing.
Make your partner aware that if they don’t vote in this election, they have no right to complain about all the terrible stuff whatever candidate is elected does. I don’t know about you, but I love complaining about terrible politicians, so, this tactic could work.
It shows you care
If your partner is unaware that the current political climate is downright dangerous for people of color and the LGBTQ community, we’d be surprised. But some people truly just don’t care about the news… So, it could happen.
However, if your partner does follow the news and is just too tired or frustrated to get to the polls, you’ve got to try and pull them out of their slump. Remind them that voting is one of the best ways to make change, and shows that they care about your—and similar couples’—future(s).
After all, when everyone is allowed to live the way the want, be who they are, and are free to date whoever they want, the world is a much sexier place.
