October, 2026

This time two years ago The Fund did our "Hope is Making a Comeback" campaign (remember those pins? They were SO good - and we have a few left! See how to get yours below). After, we thought to ourselves, "what do we do with this idea now that that sentiment isn't true anymore?". I don't want to jinx it, but I am starting to feel *a little* hope. The early voter turnout across the country is shattering the numbers from previous years. Voter turnout in Virginia is 4 times what it was the previous midterm. In some areas of North Carolina they are seeing more turnout than 2 years ago - in a presidential year!

Want a "Hope" pin? Support the work of The Fund with a donation of $20 or greater and we will send you one! When you donate HERE, add "pin" to the gift notes. Every donation helps us do this work and is greatly appreciated!

Updates below include:

• Election update - we are SO close!
• November 4th...
• Title X proposed changes
• Paid Family Leave update!
• Witches Night Out!

IMPORTANT

ELECTION DATES!

October 27 at 5:00 pm: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot

November 3: Election Day; polls open 7am-8pm

We are less than 3 weeks from election day! Have you voted yet? There are multiple ways to vote - in person on election day, by mail, by mail using one of the 13 ballot boxes throughout the county, or on demand!

New this year (to Chester County) at 3 locations (the Government Services building in West Chester, the Chester County LIbrary in Exton, and the Hankin Library in Chester Springs) the ballot boxes are open 24 hours! They will be staffed during the day, but not in the evenings (there are cameras). This is a great option for folks who work challenging hours, have kids or caretaking roles that make it harder to get out during the day, and many other reasons. Make sure to share this update with people you know!

What is "on demand voting"? As a registered voter, you have the convenient option of applying for a mail ballot in person at an Election Assistance Office, then completing the ballot while there. In one visit, voters can apply for and submit their mail ballot.

With this option, there is no need for mail at all, and you can submit your vote at your convenience. For hours and locations, click HERE.

For the locations and hours of county drop boxes, click on the drop box!

Strategy is a BIG part of advocacy, and who is in power, which party has the majority, and who is in leadership play an important role in determining that strategy. The Fund is a (c)3 nonprofit - that means we are nonpartisan (we will not ever endorse a person or party) AND parties play a role in strategy.

Why do parties play a role in strategy?

Because the majority party controls that chamber in Congress (federal House and Senate) or the General Assembly (PA state House and Senate). In both the House and Senate, the majority party's leadership determines what bills get a vote on the floor. For example, the second to last step in the Family Care Act bill's passage is the step we are stuck on right now - the PA Senate leadership is refusing to call the vote for the bill.

This is why elections matter.

We will closely be watching the election results to see who has power in the state House, Senate, and Governor's office as well as the House and Senate at the federal level.

*Trigger Warning - sexual assault*

What to know:

At the end of September, the federal administration recinded previous guidance that 1) added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes and 2) decreased barriers for survivors of sexual assault on college campuses to report and seek conviction. These changes are a direct threat to the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of sexual based violence.

What to do:

Contact your federal legislator. Our elected officials need to know how harmful these policies are, and they need to hear from YOU - their constituent. To learn more about the issue and how to reach out, check out our NEWS ARTICLE.

What to know:

An INCREDIBLE win for paid parental leave just happened in Alleghany County! The county approved by vote (a huge 11-4 majority) a parental paid leave mandate for the county - an wonderful win for families and folks having, adopting, or fostering children! This ordinance mandates that businesses with more than 15 employees provide paid leave for their employees. Learn more about this wonderful news in THIS ARTICLE from The 19th.

What can you do?

We want to do this all over the state! Are you interested in learning more about how to get involved in your county? Email me at bemmanuel@thefundcc.org (copy and paste or click!) or reply to this newsletter. We can set up a call to chat about what works for you and what we can do together!

Hurry! We are almost sold out!!!

Join us for our 2nd Annual Witches Night Out!

Back by popular demand after a sold-out inaugural year: Witches Night Out returns & witches of ALL genders are welcome!



Click HERE for more information and to get your tickets!

Don't forget to follow us!