It starts at the polls. You can probably guess why we’re single-issue voters and, if you’ve spent even mere seconds on this website, you know what that single issue is. But even within the push for legalization, there are layers and wrinkles for an informed voter to understand. Between now and Election Day (Tuesday, November 6th), we’ll be taking a closer look at the issues across the nation that matter to pro-cannabis voters like you. Today? We’re looking at social equity and how you can register to vote.

Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility for all of us to embrace. But before you vote, you have to register to vote. That’s why MMLG and the NCIA want you to take this crucial first step, so you have the power to elicit change.While we all advocate for legalization, all of us, too, are probably familiar with that guy who talks a big game about advocacy but then around election time gets a little quiet because he never registered. Don’t be that guy this election cycle, listen to your cool friend Michelle Obama in the above video and register to vote. Seriously, you can start the process by texting: “WeAllVote” to 97779. It’s that easy.

Did You Register to Vote?

Great. That was easy, right? Now let’s talk a little about social equity.

Cynthia Nixon, the Democratic challenger to NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, built a campaign platform out of legalization, but as we outlined earlier this month, it was from a place of social justice and social equity. While Nixon may not have won her primary against Cuomo, she arguably twisted the arm of New York City to essentially decriminalize pot in the Big Apple, but also she forced legalization to the fore in the Empire State and a side-effect of that has been better informing the public about social justice.

Of course there’s ample opportunity for financial gain within the cannabis sector. But as so many have said, money is the wrong reason to get into an industry as closely monitored, regulated and controlled as cannabis. More to the point, it’s invaluable for everyone to understand the necessity of social equity and utility of social equity within the cannabis sector. Here’s Cat Packer, Los Angeles’ executive director of Cannabis Regulation:

National Register to Vote Day is September 25.