The potential impact of this year’s Presidential election has made it so that staying silent is no longer an option, or in style. Continuing our “V is for Vote” series that launched back in 2020, V returns with its latest edition as photography duo Inez & Vinoodh gathered 17 of the boldest American designers from our fashion community to tell us why voting to preserve democracy is the absolute most important thing you can do this season. Throw on that cerulean sweater and get ready, because V is hitting the polls!

“I vote because I care about the future of our country. I think it’s important that we leave this place better than we found it, and taking part in the election is one small but massively important way I can play a part in that. I was so proud to vote for the first time, and I still feel proud of myself when I vote. Since college, I’ve been politically involved in any way I felt could be helpful. Through phone banking and volunteering, I’ve met some wonderful people, and I believe everyone can really learn something by getting involved with not only national politics but local politics, too. It’s a great way to find community and to also learn more about the issues that affect your daily life and those around you, and I encourage everyone to get involved where they can. Certainly, LGBTQ rights are at the top of my list of priorities, as those laws, both federally and at the state level, directly affect me and the people I love. But I, of course, feel strongly about women’s health policies and the right to health care for all, too. It’s also incredibly important for me that children be able to go to school safely and not have to learn in fear, and that we leave them a healthier planet for their future. I’m excited for all the young people who have a chance to participate in the election process for the first time. They can make a difference in the outcome, hold our elected officials accountable, and affect change.”

Brandon Maxwell

READY TO VOTE? MAKE YOUR PLAN!

Register to vote & check your registration status!

Whether you just turned 18 or it has been a while since you voted, it’s always best to check your registration status by clicking here. If you are ready to register as a first-time voter, take the exciting step here by clicking here.

See What’s On Your Ballot!

It’s always best to preview a list of candidates for Federal, State, and Local offices to understand who and what will be on your ballot in this upcoming election. To see what will appear on the ballot, click here.

Check your poll opening & closing times!

Remember, voting is your constitutional right, so on Election Day (November 5), find a time that works best for you as poll times vary by state and county, so check with your local polling station. 

Here’s what identification you should bring to VOTE!

Certain states hold strict voting laws about what sort of ID you need, as some require simple photo ID and some are more lenient, so double check to find your state’s guidelines on identification, and make sure to bring those with you on Election Day (November 5).

Wait Times & Other Issues

On Election Day (November 5), arriving early and checking wait times online is crucial to avoid waiting in line too long. But in the chance that the polls close while you are waiting in line, you still have a right to cast your ballot and make this known. If anyone tries to turn you away at the polls (or you witness anyone else attempting to discourage you or others from voting), you can report it to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683.

If there are any issues with your ballot, ask for help to fix any problem at the polls rather than leaving and coming back. Leaving or stepping out of your place in line could affect when you’re able to vote.

Not in town? Consider Absentee Voting!

To request your absentee ballot, you can complete this application online. Absentee ballot deadlines vary state by state, so double-check the deadlines, dates, and rules for your state when voting by mail.

This story appears in the pages of our upcoming V151 Winter 2024 issue: subscribe now to receive your copy before it hits newsstands in November!

Photography Inez & Vinoodh

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Production John Nadhazi / Michael Gleeson (VLM Productions)

Lighting director Jodokus Driessen (VLM Studio)

Studio Manager / Art Director Marc Kroop (VLM Studio)

Digital technician Brian Anderson

Location Pier59 Studios