Lighting the Way Votes campaign covers how, when, where, and why to vote
October 7, 2020
New Bedford Whaling Museum and Women’s Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts partner on voter education
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The New Bedford Whaling Museum is launching a non-partisan voter education campaign as part of its Lighting the Way: Historic Women of the SouthCoast initiative. In partnership with the Women’s Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts, Lighting the Way Votes aims to increase voter participation in the 2020 election through a social media campaign emphasizing how, when, where, and why to vote. Details and voter education resources can be found at www.historicwomensouthcoast.org/vote.
Amanda McMullen, New Bedford Whaling Museum President, commented, “Throughout 2020, Lighting the Way: Historic Women of the SouthCoast has been commemorating the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which recognized some women’s right to vote. We believe that one of the best ways to honor the struggle for voting rights is by engaging community members now in ways that will increase voter participation.”
The Whaling Museum recently joined arts and culture organizations and members of the creative community statewide in pledging to increase civic engagement and strengthen democracy through a MASSCreative initiative called Create the Vote. “As an arts and culture organization, we work to make our community strong and more connected. The Create the Vote pledge is where Lighting the Way Votes begins,” said McMullen.
Joanne Murray, Executive Director, The Women’s Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts, commented, “The Women’s Fund honors the proud and historic role that New Bedford and the SouthCoast have played in advancing a more just and democratic society for more Americans. Let’s make our voices heard and advance this tradition with our vote. Let our vote be our voice for justice!”
The Lighting the Way Votes social media campaign will feature videos and photographs of women sharing their thoughts with the hashtags #WhyIVote and #MyVotingPlan. Tools to help people check their voter registration, register to vote, vote by mail, get election reminders, locate their polling place, become a poll worker, and take the 2020 Census will be available at www.historicwomensouthcoast.org/vote. In addition, people can download #WhyIVote and #MyVotingPlan graphics to share with their own thoughts on social media.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020, Election Day, would normally be a workday for Whaling Museum staff, even though the Museum is closed to the public on Tuesdays. In accordance with the aims of Lighting the Way Votes, staff has been given that day off.
Downloadable Images at https://photos.app.goo.gl/nyc6Bt3SYimtwETP7
Contact
Evan England
Managing Director, NAIL[PR]
eengland@nailpr.cc
(401) 753-5588
About the New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum ignites learning through explorations of art, history, science and culture rooted in the stories of people, the region and an international seaport. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for Whaling Museum members and children ages three and under; adults $19, seniors (65+) $17, students (19+) $12, child and youth $9. For more information visit www.whalingmuseum.org.
