The 2020 General Election is 12 days away. To avoid long lines at the polls on election day and the possibility of having to wait outside in inclement weather, LMM recommends that you vote-by-mail or vote early in-person at your local board of elections. To request a vote-by-mail ballot visit here; to vote early in-person, visit here.
Want a Ride?
While COVID is putting a damper on some election outreach activities, we are happy to share that there is a local effort dedicated to providing people with disabilities or without transportation a ride to the polls. Need a ride or want to give a ride to the polls? Visit: www.voterdrivecle.com.
Vote Smarter
As you complete your vote-by-mail ballot, or prepare to vote in-person, you may realize that there are several contested judicial races and important issues on your ballot. To help make voting in these elections easier, LMM has compiled resources on being an informed voter regarding judicial races.
LMM is also endorsing two leviesin Cuyahoga County: Issue 68, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District levy, and Issue 70: the Cuyahoga County Public Library levy. Both levies will help to promote equitable educational outcomes and, over time, a stronger workforce in Northeast Ohio.
Incarcerated? You May be Eligible for $1,200
Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that individuals incarcerated during a pandemic are in fact eligible for a $1,200 stimulus check. The judge ordered the Treasury Department and the IRS to reverse their decision to withhold stimulus funds from prisoners based solely on their incarcerated status. To learn more and file visit the IRS website. The deadline to file electronically is November 21.
#RentReliefNow
In early September, the Centers for Disease Control issued an eviction moratorium through the end of 2020 aimed at keeping renters facing financial challenges due to the pandemic in their homes. While the moratorium helps to avoid an immediate surge of evictions, the lack of accompanying rent relief from a federal stimulus package creates concerning conditions for both tenants and landlords. Join LMM in advocating for a federal stimulus package that includes $100 billion for rental relief, and funding for homeless services here.
Current Events is Back!
After a COVID hiatus, we are happy to share that Current Events at the Men’s Shelter at 2100 returned in mid-September. This weekly conversation led by long-time LMM volunteer Jeff Ford and LMM Director of Advocacy Margie Glick includes residents at the Men’s Shelter and students from John Carroll University’s Center for Service and Social Action. Topics addressed so far include the upcoming election, the government's response to COVID and issues related to race equity. To learn more about Current Events, and possible volunteer opportunities, contact Lydia Bailey at lbailey@lutheranmetro.org.
