Election Day is coming, and it’s time for a warm-up. Consider us your personal trainers (in fitness and voting) as we prepare, inform, and inspire everyone to get ready for November 6.
Because as #activebadgers, we exercise our right to vote.
Whether you’re voting early starting October 22 or waiting until November 6, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it by rounding up ten active ways you can get to the polls:
- Run. Politicians are running for office, so the connection is obvious, right? Plan your running route to end at the polls, or better yet, make it a pit stop along the way. There’s no telling the amount of motivation (and endorphins) you’ll get from that “I Voted Today” sticker.
- Pogo stick. It’s not totally out of the question, is it?
- Bike. If you’re looking to get from Point A to Point #IVoted quicker, we suggest biking. If you don’t actually have a bike, try Madison BCycle. They’re offering free rides on Election Day (November 6) with code 868377. All UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff can join BCycle for only $20 per year. Or, purchase a day pass for only $6.Pro tip: If you’re voting early, there are BCycle stations close to Union South, Memorial Union, and the Student Activity Center (near Fresh Madison Market).
- Leapfrog. Sometimes people need a little push to get to the polls. Invite your friends, classmates, roommates, strangers (why not?) to join you and start a game of leapfrog to your polling place. Bonus points if you share on Instagram using the hashtag #BadgersVote.The more friends you bring to the polls, the better chance we as a campus have in the Big Ten Voting Challenge. All 14 Big Ten schools are competing to see which campus has the greatest overall turnout rate in 2018 as well as the greatest increase in turnout from 2014 to 2018. So go ahead and start that group chat. Ribbit.
- Walk. With early voting locations and Election Day polling places all across campus, you can easily swing by on your way to or from class. It’s up to you what will be playing in your headphones on the way there, but can we suggest a throwback to Schoolhouse Rock?
- Cartwheel. It might be easier to cartwheel home after voting (due to the celebratory feeling you’ll have after submitting your ballot), but it doesn’t hurt to practice. If you’re not sure how, just ask Michael Scott.
- Intervals. In order to exercise your right to vote, sometimes you have to make voting an actual exercise. For every block to get to your polling place, alternate between walking and jogging (or jogging and sprinting). You’ll have a more effective workout and you’ll get there faster. Two birds, one stone. You’re welcome.
- Skip. You could skip to the polls, but definitely don’t skip out on voting. Go ahead and try this playground activity. It’s scientifically proven that skipping puts a smile on your face. (Ok maybe not, but we dare you to try to frown while you’re doing it).
- Rollerblade. Break out your inline skates and hit the bike blade path, it’s time to vote. This exercise will definitely get you there quickly, and it’s a great way to strengthen your core. Just don’t forget shoes to change into once you hit your polling place.
- Scooter. We don’t want to insert ourselves into the Great Scooter War of 2018, but come on, we’re talking about active ways to get to the polls. Bring back your Razor from home and let’s get scooting, Badgers.
Whatever method you end up using to get to the polls, just make sure you get there. Check if you’re registered, double check you have proper identification, read up on the issues, and exercise your right to vote. Because it’s what #activebadgers do.
For more information on voting, please visit vote.wisc.edu.