Why Software Developers Should Care About the 2020 U.S. Election

Government policy shapes what software gets built, how it's used, and who gets to build it—which is why civic engagement matters to the developer community. With the U.S. presidential election approaching on November 3, there are concrete ways for technologists to participate beyond casting a ballot.

Get Your Vote Ready

Even if you vote regularly, COVID-19 safety measures may have changed your state's procedures or timeline. Verify your registration status and plan ahead for how you'll vote this year:

  • Register to vote or check your existing registration via vote.org
  • Review your state's early voting calendar
  • Request a mail-in ballot if you prefer to vote by mail
  • Locate your polling place if you plan to vote in person
  • Use Ballotpedia to see what will actually be on your ballot

Volunteer as a Poll Worker

September 22 also marks National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Poll workers and election officials are essential to running accessible, fair elections—and counties are struggling to find enough help this year due to COVID-19. As election infrastructure becomes more technology-dependent each cycle, having technically literate volunteers at polling stations can help things run more smoothly.

Serving as a poll worker is a direct way to make sure your neighbors can cast their ballots. Look for opportunities at HelpAmericaVote.gov or powerthepolls.org.

How Employers Can Support Voting

GitHub is among the companies backing the Time to Vote initiative, which ensures employees don't have to choose between earning a paycheck and voting. The company encourages its staff to take paid time off to vote or participate in other civic activities.

GitHub also addresses the poll worker shortage by donating $250 to a non-profit of the employee's choice for anyone who volunteers at the polls on election day. This effort is part of the Civic Alliance Election Day of Service, a coalition working to identify 250,000 new poll workers to support a safe and secure November election.

Key Dates This Cycle

Earlier civic hacking and voter mobilization events include the National Day of Civic Hacking on September 12 and National Black Voter Day on September 18.

The message to developers is straightforward: register early, make a plan to vote, and if you're able, help others exercise their voting rights this cycle.