The University of Maryland, Baltimore Community Engagement Center and West Baltimore Community Organizations are encouraging mail-in voting on Election Day with “Party at the Mailbox” boxes.
UMB, officials say they are teaming up with Baltimore Votes and Black Girls Vote to provide West Baltimore neighbors with election resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Black Girls Vote is committed to engaging, educating and empowering our community about voting even during a pandemic. We don’t want Baltimoreans to choose between their health and democracy,” said Nykidra Robinson, founder and CEO of Black Girls Vote, Inc.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Baltimore residents are asked to mail in their ballots rather than congregating at polling locations.
To make the vote by mail experience more fun and engaging, Baltimore Votes and Black Girls Vote have decided to work with UMB to mail free “Party at the Mailbox” gift boxes to city residents.
The gift boxes include Election Day resources, a T-shirt, stickers that say, “I voted” and other election-themed giveaways.
“Black Girls Vote is known for our creativity, innovation, and non-traditional efforts,” Robinson said. “We’re elated to bring you ‘Party at the Mailbox’ with one of our most valuable partners, Baltimore Votes.”
Robinson added that Black Girls Vote is looking forward to seeing “so many Baltimoreans on election night for the biggest virtual election night party the city has ever seen.”
“We’re thrilled to see so many Baltimoreans and beyond excited about voting, and by voting by mail. We love the videos and social media posts- keep them coming,” she said.
UMB officials say to stay safe and maintain social distancing guidelines, and all Baltimore residents are encouraged to vote by mail. However, the UMB Community Engagement Center will be an actual polling location for anyone who decides not to vote by mail.
The polling location will be open for voters on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 220 Arch St. Baltimore, MD 21201.
“Party at the Mailbox is so much fun,” said Sam Novey, the co-founder of Baltimore Votes. “The Baltimore Votes Coalition is dedicated to building an inclusive democracy in Baltimore, and we are so excited to be working with Black Girls Vote on this campaign. It is such a great way to celebrate our city and welcome everyone to be a part of our democracy.”
To register for a personal “Party at the Mailbox” gift box, Baltimore residents can follow this link: https://www.baltimorevotes.org/party.