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!

Eddie Borgo | Photography Inez & Vinoodh for V Magazine (Issue #V151)

“We all vote for different reasons I suppose. Collectively, to preserve democracy and remind ourselves every four years that we can, in fact, create change. We can lead the nation (and hopefully the world) to a better place. I vote because America itself is made up of each of us, we are each important and we each have a voice that matters and is significant. My first time voting was intimidating. I began by researching all of the different candidates—and came to understand the significance of the primary elections and why it is so important to remain knowledgeable of all the candidates; gubernatorial, mayoral, local congressmen, etc. I researched the bills, proposals, propositions, and laws that were included in the ballot so that I could better understand who I was voting for and why. The more you know, the better you can contribute as a voter. I do not take my voting privilege for granted. There are liberties that have been taken from us, and some we are at risk of losing. The major issues at stake in this election are issues at the core of our democracy. Preserving and maintaining women’s rights, ensuring that we do all that we can to preserve and protect the planet and its resources, ensuring that our LGBTQIA+ community feels protected and supported, ensuring that the NRA is held accountable for the loose laws surrounding gun ownership, and that each of us has access to health care. For me, these are issues that speak to the grace and humanity of the nation. An election sets the tone for the future. I want the future to look bright and to be positive for everyone. We have been living in divisive times and need a leader who understands how to get closer to uniting the nation and guiding the American citizens towards a better sense of understanding, empathy, inclusion, and respect. ”

Eddie Borgo

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

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