Despite the impressive list of rookies on PGA TOUR Champions in 2020, if they want to compete at the highest level on this Tour, they still have to go through Bernhard Langer.

And this week Langer, a five-time Charles Schwab Cup winner, returns to a place hes owned over the last few seasons not to mention he also gets to sleep in his own bed.

Its definitely one of my favorites, said Langer at the TimberTech Championship, where he is the defending champion. As a Tour member, you travel all year long and all your life. So it's very special when you get to stay home and work at the same time, have some home-cooked meals, sleep in your own bed, and have lots of friends and family, usually.

The event has been part of the Champions Tour schedule since 2007, played annually in Boca Raton, Florida where Langer is a resident. He won by five shots in 2019 and finished runner-up in 2018. Langer has five other top-10 finishes at this event in his Champions Tour career including another victory, in 2010.

Langer is second in the Charles Schwab Cup standings so far this season with steady performance after steady performance. He has 10 top-10 results in just 13 tournaments so far, including a win at the Cologuard Classic.

The 41-time Champions Tour winner says as he gets closer to wrapping up his season, hes just as motivated to have the No.1 on his caddys back even though no Charles Schwab Cup will be awarded at the end of this year.

Well, it's always a good thing to have that little bib, the Charles Schwab bib, on your caddie's back, because that means you're out there and the others have to chase, says Langer. I would rather be in front than way behind.

As far as momentum for this week is concerned, Langer says he will rely on the good memories from a year ago.

Langers daughter, Jackie Langer-John, caddied for her father at last years TimberTech Championship. It was only her third time ever caddying for him and the duo finished at 19-under, which was the tournament scoring record. Its not like Jackie was totally inexperienced as the tournament came down to the wire, however she was on his bag in 2018 as well, when he lost in a playoff.

She had never won with me caddying, so that was another reason to celebrate. And in front of the home crowd, family and friends, makes it that much more special, as you say, says Langer. But (defending) any tournament is cool, because you are comfortable with the golf course, you know you have done well there before, and so there is no reason why not have another good week.

But while Langer has been his consistent self so far in 2020, hes had to compete with the highly competitive new crop on the Champions Tour.

Both Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson won their first two starts after turning 50. Ernie Els, who just turned 51 earlier this month, has won twice already this season. And Mike Weir, who turned 50 the same day as Furyk, has three top-10 finishes in just eight starts.

But Langer, whose confidence never wavered, isnt worried about the new group of competitors.

It happens on every tour. On the [PGA TOUR] there are young guys coming out of college. On our Tour they are turning 50. And its just part of life. But this year's rookie class has been exceptional, says Langer. They are mostly major winners, from Mickelson, Furyk, Ernie Els, Mike Weir, KJ Choi, on and on you go. They are all very established players, have phenomenal careers on the [PGA TOUR], and they are going to have -- certainly make a big impact on this tour, I would say.

But me personally, it's great to see them out here, but it's going to be a little bit harder to win, like it is every few months when new guys come out.

Still, Langer hasnt seemed fazed.

Hes motivated to have a great week at home in Boca Raton before heading to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship usually the season finale on the Champions Tour, and the site of his five Charles Schwab Cup wins before the Masters in mid-November.

Those three tournaments are all important to me, says Langer. I have worked very hard the last couple of weeks to get my game in shape and hopefully finish the season strongly.

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Langer motivated to end season at No. 1 before 37th Masters - pgatour.com

How to Stay Motivated to Run When It's Cold and Dark

I crave my early-morning runs to get the head-clearing exercise and alone time I need for my mental health. The only roadblock is that the sun is rising later and later, and now it's pitch black when I go on my runs. For a couple weeks, I cursed the dark, gave up those runs, and followed workout videos inside instead. But I just didn't enjoy them as much and knew I needed to get back outside, even if it felt like I was running at midnight! Here are the tips I follow to stay motivated to run in the dark.

From then on, instead of letting fear sink in or giving up because it wasn't as enticing as being out in the warm sun, I saw running in the dark as a gift. There is such a glorious peacefulness I only experience while running early in the morning before the sun rises, and that alone motivates me to lace up my sneaks and head out into the darkness.

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Here's How I Motivate to Keep Up With Early-Morning Runs Even Though It's Pitch Black! - POPSUGAR

AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Despite having had what many consider to be an underwhelming start to their 2020 campaign, Gus Malzahn and the rest of the Auburn Tigers are now faced with the opportunity to provide their fanbase with something of which the faithful has been deprived of for nearly half a decade: a win over rival LSU.

Junior offensive lineman Brodarious Hamm knows the significance behind this weekends clash with the Bayou Bengals and the impact the game could implement for the second half of Auburns season.

Last week we set the momentum, Hamm said. But now we can get on a roll.

The first-year starter claims that in order to find success against the reigning national champions the Tigers must establish themselves as a balanced offense.

Its very important, we just have to come out there and be able to run and pass, Hamm said. We have to be able to do everything and not just be stuck on one thing.

According to Hamm, one player who could contribute to developing a sense of balance for the orange and blue on Saturday, and going forward, is tight end J.J. Pegues.

J.J.s a different animal, Hamm said. I feel like hes going to be real important to us later on in the season.

Pegues, a 62 300-pound true freshman, has made his presence known for both his athleticism and ability to deliver devastating blocks in the run game.

Hes not just your average sized tight end, Hamm said. I feel like he changed the game for us. He can do everything.

The creation of game-changing momentum appears to be a theme amongst the Tigers heading into the weekend, as junior Roger McCreary spoke about the positive effect his momentum-swinging interception had in Auburns victory over Ole Miss in week eight.

When I made the game changing play it brought more energy to the sideline, McCreary said. It gave the offense momentum to score.

Although momentum swings may prove beneficial for Auburn, McCreary knows that his squad cannot rely solely upon highlight-reel plays to escape week nine with a win.

We just have to play with fundamentals, McCreary said. Play with technique and play with the strategies that coach has taught us.

McCreary explained that the emphasis upon technique in the week leading up to LSU stems from the Tigers historical tendency to make costly mistakes in the matchup.

Its all about the little simple mistakes that we have throughout these LSU games, McCreary said. Its just one mistake that will lead to us losing.

Apparent attention to detail in this weeks practice seems to write the narrative of how important a win is to the orange and blue; McCreary conveyed his squads sense of motivation and his coaches emphasis upon the significance behind the games outcome.

I feel like were highly motivated, McCreary said. Coach Malzahn said if we can get this win the only way to go is up.

Hamm, McCreary and their teammates will get their opportunity to bring an end to a four-game losing streak against the Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Jordan Hare stadium. Toe meets leather at 2:30 CT on CBS.

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Tigers Highly Motivated Ahead of LSU Game - Eagle Eye TV

Grocery and refrigerated grab-and-go foods have surged in c-stores amid the coronavirus pandemic since roller grill and many hot-food programs have paused. For example, when Little General Stores Inc., Beckley, W.Va., halted roller-grill and self-service items, it focused on selling grocery and chilled grab-and-go offerings such as sliced meats and cheeses, pastas, breads, salads and more. Expect suppliers to consider packages that fit that evolved offer.

Meanwhile, the number of food and beverage menu entrees available in c-stores declined more than 5% in 2019, according to research firm Technomic, Chicago. Specifically, sandwiches decreased nearly 37% and sides dropped more than 12%. Focusing on one or two foodservice itemssuch as a popular sandwich or siderather than an expanded menu may attract more customers, said consultant Jessica Williams of Food Forward Thinking LLC, Louisville, Ky.

Theres strength in doing one product very well, she said. If you could pick one item for which youd like to be famous, do that and do it great.

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Motivated to Innovate - CSPDailyNews.com

SUPERIOR, Wis. The quarantine 15 was a phrase that came back in March as people were staying inside during the spring shutdown. But one Duluth woman used that extra time as motivation to become more active.

Ruth Maciejeski was like a lot of people at the beginning of the pandemic, stuck inside with a lot of time on her hands. As the days went by, she pushed herself to get in shape.

The way that I encourage myself to get active is just to sign myself up for things I know I cant do at that point and say Now you got a reason. Now you have to do it, said Maciejeski.

One of the events Maciejeski signed up for was the north end nightmare, the 2 mile Grandmas race held during the Superior Spooktacular. While it wasnt her first race, it had been a couple years since her last race.

We want people to be active and to live healthy lifestyles, said Zach Schneider, Marketing and Public Relations Director for Grandmas Marathon. It has been tough through this pandemic because people have felt trapped and they felt like they cant do anything. Running has been an outlet for a lot of different people.

She began her training in June by jogging around her neighborhood. The training started by running a mile and every day she pushed herself just a little bit more.

For me it was saying, Im going to make it to that tree, Im going to make it to that stop sign, Maciejeski said.

While it was hard to stay motivated some days, all the work that put in leading up to the race helped her lose more than 30 pounds and Maciejeski says shes now in the best shape of her life.

One of her goals was to run the race without walking but she tells us that her bigger priority was just to have a good time.

When I got started I was like Holy cow, I thought I could do this but I guess I cant and I couldnt even make it a block and a half and I just kept on getting out there and doing it. Getting out and trying to run each day, said Maciejeski.

The North End Nightmare isnt the end of Maciejeskis run. Shes signed up for the Thanksgiving Gobble Gallop and will run the William A. Irvin 5k on Grandmas weekend and hopes to one day run Grandmas Marathon.

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Halloween Race Used as Motivation Through Pandemic - FOX 21 Online

Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell will be understanding if striker Ross Stewart turns down a new Staggies deal to pursue a fresh challenge.

Stewart is in the final year of his Victoria Park contract, with County still to reach a breakthrough in discussions over a new deal.

County turned down several bids for the 24-year-old during the summer, with English Championship sides Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, along with League One Shrewsbury Town, having shown interest.

Premiership rivals Aberdeen and Hibernian have also previously been linked with the forward, who has netted four goals in 14 appearances so far this term.

Stewart was brought to Dingwall from St Mirren when County were in the Championship in 2018, with Kettlewell revealing the terms on offer are a significant upgrade on his current deal.

Kettlewell is confident it will not be financially driven if Stewarts opts to leave, and he said: We want to sign Ross on a longer term contract.

We understand the interest, and we understand where he wants to go in the next phase of his career.

Ive said all along that I have a really good relationship with his agent, and Ive badgered him once or twice trying to get Ross to sign a new contract.

It will surprise people, Ross isnt on a massive contract at all at Ross County.

Money is not the object for Ross, but it also shows that theres plenty of ground there for us to improve it.

Its not the money though, its about the opportunity and where Ross wants to play in his career.

The contract hes on shows that there is no motivation of money from him, its all about the pathway for the next stage of his career.

Stewart ended his first top-flight campaign as Countys joint leading scorer on 11 goals last year, despite missing two months with a hamstring injury.

Should Stewart decide his future lies elsewhere, Kettlewell insists he would be intent on getting as much return as possible from the Irvine-born forward during the remainder of his stay in the Highlands.

Kettlewell added: I dont want to wish his contract away. If weve offered him a new contract I dont want to create any bad feeling about it, if thats what Ross wants to do Im not going to upset the apple cart for the time hes going to be here.

I want to get everything out of Ross that I possibly can, and history tells us thats a very good product over the last couple of years.

Ive said before that I will be the first guy to shake his hand and send him on his way if he starts hitting the net and becomes a pivotal player for us like he has been.

Im sure he will kick on again this season and do that, and then nobody would be happier than myself.

We have to accept that situation, but what we know is that he gives us everything hes got in training every day and in matches.

Stewart missed three excellent chances at key stages in Countys 4-0 loss to Motherwell on Saturday, however Kettlewell has backed his talisman to get back to form.

The County boss added: Even though he missed chances against Motherwell last weekend, theres nobody more annoyed about that than him.

Theres no point in me going over and criticising him for missing those chances, because hes more upset than anyone else.

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No motivation of money for Stewart in Staggies contract talks, says Kettlewell - Press and Journal

At first glance, the terrorist threat that recently captivated the nationa thwarted attempt by a militia cell to kidnap Governors Gretchen Whitmer and Ralph Northammay appear to be an anomalya one-off plot hatched by a fringe group influenced by the boogaloo movement, but with fewer followers. Or it could be part of a pattern of growing extremist activity in the run up to the 2020 presidential elections. Our efforts at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) currently focus on mitigating the potential for Election Day violence.

While there is no way to predict what will actually take place over the next few weeks leading up to and directly after the election, the ADLs monitoring of extremist groups suggests that election-motivated violence could yield more domestic terrorism threats, which if fully realized, could pose a threat to ensuring free and fair elections.

Extremists, ranging from anti-government to white supremacist, and others, have been growing their ranks since the beginning of the pandemic. Stay-at-home regulations have led to the spread of a variety of online conspiracy theories. This has some far right and left extremists increasingly viewing the impending election through an apocalyptic lens. Data from Moonshot CVE, a group that ADL partners with in its research, show that references to a Second Civil War and lamentations that there are no political solutions to the nations challenges (implying there are violent solutions) have spiked in recent months. While both the far left and right are engaging in dystopian warnings, the threat of election-related violence largely emanates from right-wing extremists.

There is cause for concern, but there is not yet cause for panicit is still not clear how much of the internet chatter may be bluster, or if the threat represents a true danger. Moreover, in the remaining weeks before the electionand notably, the critical time following the election where conspiracies may reach an apexthere are simple, turnkey steps state and local policymakers can take now to address these threats in ways that will have a meaningful near-term impact.

Effective Communication

One component of mitigating threats is ensuring effective communication and transparency with the public. State and local leaders can take one quick and immediate step: issue a bipartisan statement condemning violence, like both candidates for governor of Utah did last week. Extremists are watching mainstream politics and exploiting social fissures. By promoting unity, officials and the public can undermine their narratives and make it difficult for groups to recruit and operate without being reported by bystanders. In one recent example, after protests that turned violent, Oregons leading officialsincluding the governor, state legislators and many othersissued a strong statement condemning violence and hate. Public communication can be even more effective with a credible messenger tailored for a specific audience. When fringe figures attempt to stoke chaos or violence, a credible figurelike a local community leader, religious leader or niche celebrity such as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter or war herocan convey to potentially violent actors that violence is anathema to democratic values.

Officials should be openly communicating with the public about their steps to safeguard the vote and efforts to debunk conspiracies. While it is critical that policymakers not create panic or spread fear, transparency can help the U.S. public hold the government accountable. Officials who clarify that they understand the threat and are addressing it can reduce panic. One example can be found in the state of New Jersey, which recently released a supplement to its annual terrorist threat assessment focused on the unique conditions associated with the 2020 election. While the scenarios the state lays out are worrisome, the supplement helps the public understand that its leaders are aware of the threats and preparing for them.

Tools for Law Enforcement

There are a variety of ways state and local law enforcement can mitigate election-motivated violence. To start, they can raise the priority level of the threat. Law enforcement have finite resources and must clearly convey to their teams which issues deserve their top attention. Through at least February 2021, ADL recommends that extremist-motivated violence and activity be a top priority for resourcing and officer awareness. To be clear, police should not proactively patrol polling places, a move which could inadvertently suppress votes. However, law enforcement should address the networks of extremist actors who commit unlawful acts and be on guard to react immediately in the event of emergency.

Existing laws and clear communications from those enforcing them can help reduce the likelihood that inevitable protests remain peaceful. Permitting restrictions, for example, can help counter extremist threats while also empowering political speech.

There are many state laws that address extremist threats. Law enforcement can address unlawful behavior by malign actors using legal tools ranging from hate crime laws to state domestic terrorism laws and even firearm permits, among other ways. To raise public awareness and empower poll workers, Georgetown Laws Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) created fact sheets for every state on what is lawful and, by extension, what it might look like to observe unlawful behavior at or near a polling site and how to report concerns. In the event that hate incidents rise during this time of social tension, ADL has made available a new reporting tool to enable the public to report incidents that they witness and concerns they have.

Law enforcement can also be proactive in preventing protester and counter-protester clashes, which can inflame tensions and play into the hands of those who wish to incite violence. The most infamous example is the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which resulted in the murder of counter-protester Heather Heyer. One week later, Boston police deployed 500 police officers to a similar protest and counter-protest in Boston. Rather than breaking up the protest or inhibiting the exercise of free speech, law enforcement focused on keeping protesters and counter-protesters separated. In the inevitable protests that arise in the coming weeks, reducing direct contact between protesters and counter-protesters will be a critical tool to mitigate the likelihood of violence.

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring recently gave helpful guidance to law enforcement. In September, he issued an official advisory opinion in response to reports of intimidation at polling places. The advisory reinforces state and federal laws against voter intimidation and harassment. It states, clearly and unequivocally, it is a criminal offense for private individuals to usurp the role of actual law enforcement, and it is accordingly unlawful to appear at the polls attempting to exercise roles that rightfully belong to the government. The opinion noted that this can include private self-named militia members acting as perceived members of authority under the pretense of crowd control or otherwise. This specific guidance can mitigate the threat of voter intimidation by individuals claiming to promote safety who are in fact rogue actors. Similar guidance can address a range of concerns and can help state and local law enforcement better understand their role in promoting election integrity while protecting communities from extremist violence. Urging early voting in states offering that option, and protecting those polling places, can also decrease the chance of large crowds and chaotic situations on election day itself.

Resources for Policymakers

The threat of election-motivated violence is a real challenge for policymakers. But there are resources available to help them manage the threat. ADL has worked with state policymakers nationwide to better inform them on simple practices such as resource-sharing, effective public statements and other basic steps that can help mitigate threats. Our team distilled lessons learned into a guide covering seven categories and 18 immediate actions that state and local policymakers can take right now. These concepts are simple and able to be implemented quickly.

Officials can become more familiar with these issues using existing research and expertise. For example, ADLs data on hate and extremism shows where historical threats have taken place. This data can help state and local leaders familiarize themselves with threats and possible hotspots of concern. ADL has shared this data through its online and interactive Hate, Extremism, Antisemitism, and Terrorism (HEAT) Map, where users can drill down on data by state, city and locality. Other experts have catalogued the domestic extremism threats rise and experts with a range of backgrounds have outlined how the election could spark new violence. In addition to ADLs work, some organizations have cultivated other new resources to prepare for election security, ranging from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to Harvards Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, to the Police Foundation.

It is often difficult for law enforcement or poll workers, among others, to identify hate symbolssharing the ADLs Hate Symbols Database with local law enforcement can help them do so in real time. There are myriad resources on the threats from experts, including ADL, which offers free training for local leaders to become better acquainted with threat groups ranging from boogaloo and the Proud Boys to QAnon and others.

All leaders need to tamp down the provocative rhetoric and fearmongering that incite extremists. Leaders must also clarify that they reject any call for extremist action around the election. And leaders should reassure the public that they are keeping communities safe by taking some basic steps to demonstrate that they both understand these potential threats and are taking actions to address them. A few steps that state and local leaders can implement relatively quickly include: sharing guidance with law enforcement on how to recognize threats, issuing public statements, preparing law enforcement for emergencies and giving them guidance on when they should act. These actions can serve to reduce public fervor, while also diminishing the likelihood of disruption at the polls or violence after the vote.

The Risks of Election-Motivated Violence

These and other actions can be taken immediately. If done thoughtfully, these steps can reassure the public that their state or locality is addressing these threats, and community members should feel safe to vote. If done recklessly, they could inadvertently suppress the vote. If no steps are taken, the risk of election-motivated violence could be higher. Some states are already taking these measures, and they should be lauded. ADL stands by to help those who have not yet put these measures into place that need assistance to do so. ADL anticipates that, overall, the right to vote will be secure and that any unrest that might follow the election will not rise to the level of a civil war, despite the calls for such by some extremists. However, the right to vote is so foundational to our core values that every precaution must be taken. The American public deserves a fair and safe electoral process, and with proper leadership, it is possible for states to deliver it.

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Preventing and Countering Election-Motivated Violence Without Causing Panic - Lawfare

Katia Faroun | Features Editor Katia Faroun, Features Editor. This election is like none other before leading to a historic turnout in voter registration.

Noah Wilbur | Opinions Editor

10/29/2020

With six days remaining until the 46th president of the U.S. is selected, millions of Americans around the nation have already cast their vote by returning mail-in ballots or visiting the nearest polling center. At this time, Joe Biden holds a comfortable lead over incumbent Donald Trump; however, this gap is quickly narrowing as a growing number of Trump supporters are heading to polling stations and voting in-person.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Elections Report, the early vote total as of Wednesday morning exceeded 73 million an increase of nearly 26 million from the 2016 election.

The countrys sizable turnout of early voters stems primarily from the three most populous states in the country as residents in Texas, Florida and California are coming out in droves to vote before Nov. 3.

In addition, the young vote is proving to be a decisive factor, with 63% of citizens between the ages of 18- 24 indicating that they will vote in 2020. To compare, only 43% voted in the 2016 election a favorable difference worth noting.

These staggering, and even surprising, numbers are an excellent indicator that Americans recognize the difficulties our country faces going forward and are interested in doing their part to make a difference for future generations.

Admittedly, with a deluge of Vote Early political propaganda appearing across social media followed by further encouragement from the Democratic and Republican parties, the record-shattering surge of early voters does not come as a surprise.

Nevertheless, as one of the most impactful and consequential elections in the history of the U.S., it is rather encouraging to see that Americans both young and old participate by getting involved in their respective candidates campaigns and, most importantly, by casting a vote.

From rising tensions with China and a crippling healthcare system, to the need for additional stimulus and a COVID-19 situation continuing to spiral out-of-control, the list continues to grow of challenges that our great nation must confront in the foreseeable future.

People are proving to be not only aware of this uncertainty, but also adamant on choosing a candidate with corresponding values and principles that they believe possesses the expertise, competence and leadership needed to guide the U.S. during turbulent times.

With the future of America hanging in the balance, I urge those individuals still teetering on the brink of not voting due to the questionable candidates standing before us to realize their civic duty as an American citizen and vote in the 2020 election.

Although the unfortunate reality is that we are left with three candidates, none of which are worthy of the honor of being the President of the U.S., it would be imprudent and foolish for us to standby and withhold our vote when now, more than ever, our democracy is at stake.

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or a die-hard Kanye fan, it is more important than ever to express your support for the candidate you perceive to be the most fit to lead the country.

Staff Editorial: Supreme Court Confirmation baffling

The electoral college threatens the future of Americas democracy

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Motivated Americans are the catalyst for a record-breaking surge of early votes The Duquesne Duke - The Duquesne Duke

In the early morning of Nov. 3, human biology senior Devon Hages will stride out of East Lansing High School flaunting her cozy outfit, rainbow printed owl mask and an I Voted sticker.

Devon registered to vote about two months ago. She said she feels nervous to vote in person, but doesnt trust her ballot to go through the mail system in time.

I was almost 18 when Trump got elected, Devon said. Then I just figured, why not wait until the next four-year term to register then because Im not really gonna be able to make my voice heard until the next election. Thats what I thought at the time.

Devon isnt the only one in her family who struggled to see the importance of voting. Her father, Colin registered to vote for the first time recently as a 64-year-old.

I guess in the past, Ive always kinda felt like it was a choice between the lesser of two evils, Colin said. I really wasnt that motivated to vote because I didnt think it would count for much.

The biggest problem for Devon and her father was the registration process, which is common for many, according to Professor Matt Grossmann from the political science department at MSU.

In the United States, you have to register before voting, which is always true internationally, Grossmann said. And yet (this) has tended historically to present an obstacle to new voters, especially young voters.

Once Devon received information from the Secretary of State in the mail, she took the next step.

So I did register, Devon said. I was really proud, I sent pictures of my voter registration card to all of my family and they were (happy).

Devon then urged her dad to register, but he was just as uneducated on the process, especially living in a small town. At the time, he didnt feel a need to vote.

However, a few months ago, he changed his mind when a close friend mentioned her sister died due to COVID-19. As they continued their discussion, Colin said he became frustrated with the way the President handled the pandemic.

It was at that point in time that I realized, you know what, I have got to vote just to try to make a change at this point, Colin said.

Even though he still believes one vote wont change the course of an election, he said it makes him a better citizen.

I just couldnt not register to vote because, whether its going to make a difference or not, in my heart and in my mind, at least Ill know that I did what I could do to try to make a change, Colin said.

Many new voters who have already worked through the registration process are eager to have their voices heard, like human biology freshman Amer Yassin-Kassab.

I believe that voting is one of the best ways as just any regular person like myself can impact everything around me in the nation, Yassin-Kassab said. Theres so much going on, something so important to do that you can do is to vote. Once you hit that age, you can do it.

Yassin-Kassab registered to vote by mail. He learned about deadlines from social media posts, which encouraged him to complete his ballot early.

Im a huge procrastinator, Yassin-Kassab said. Just in general, not only in school. But any responsibility I have to do I always push it so far back until I forget about it. Honestly, I probably wouldve been late to get all the voting things sorted out.

Grossmann said that the high costs of this election could be influencing the myriad of informational posts.

More money is being spent on this election than any other previous election by a large margin, Grossmann said. That includes more television ads, more mail, more online ads, so its not peoples imagination that they are seeing more advertising there.

Thats why new voters can view more information on how to get registered. For journalism sophomore Carson Hathaway, seeing current events unfold shaped his interest in registration.

I think theres been more conversation this time because people have gotten tired of those issues, Hathaway said. Theres more urgency because of that because racial issues that have been going on in this country are long overdue that need to be addressed.

Hathaway thinks voting is the best way to get involved with these social justice issues.

You can go to all of these rallies, say Black Lives Matter but none of that will do anything if the wrong person gets elected, Hathaway said. Going out and voting, thats something that will actually make a difference in the long run.

Yassin-Kassab said filling out a ballot is an indirect, effective way to stand up for beliefs.

Voting is a huge way you can do that so easily, Yassin-Kassab said. Checking a few boxes and voting for the people who have the same views as you, opinions and things you want to get done, carried out by someone else that you can vote for ... Its a way to be active without really stepping out of your comfort zone.

Kinesiology senior Riya Bhutani is a new voter as well. She said she feels strongly about current events like COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests.

I think a lot of what has happened couldve been handled differently and maybe couldve been handled better, Bhutani said. So if we vote, we could change that.

She also said she holds voting to a high standard because of her personal upbringing.

A lot of (American) Indians are considered a model minority because we come here on work visas, we have high qualifications, we get high positions in whatever company, Bhutani said. But there are still those microaggressions that we face. Bringing awareness to those really is important and I think thats how I was raised, to fight to be heard.

The registration process is the first step for citizens to become voters and share their political opinions. After that, voters like Devon might encourage others to do the same.

Its worth jumping through a few extra hoops, Devon said. Its worth figuring out how to do it on your computer if youre older because your voice does matter. You can either sit back and watch it all crumble or you can help try to put it back together again.

This article is part of our Election 2020 print edition. View the full issuehere.

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First-time voters share their motivations to vote in the upcoming election - The State News

Patti Ecker of Des Plaines is an advocate for voting and one of the first artists who sang the first tune, played the first notes and edited lyrics in Passoffs music video project.

The idea to create a music video that would motivate people to vote was spearheaded by Michelle Passoff in Florida. Passoff, who co-owns Free From Clutter Estate Sales, based in St. Petersburg, invited 24 singers in the Tampa Bay area to a Zoom meeting. Among the singers involved was Patti Ecker of Des Plaines. Shes an advocate for voting and one of the first artists who sang the first tune, played the first notes and edited lyrics in Passoffs music video project.

Eckers friend, Jeff Blake, learned about the project on Facebook and asked Ecker if she wanted to join in. When COVID regulations hit, music gigs were canceled. Ecker thought the project sounded interesting and decided to sign on.

I went to the first Zoom meeting in March and thought it was interesting, said Ecker. People didnt know each other. Someone came in with lyrics. I started singing Let Your Voice Be Heard 2020. It was the first thing written into the song.

Passoff said that Eckers unwavering commitment from the beginning to the end is not to be underestimated in its contribution to bringing this idea into reality.

Team members participating in the project were Passoff, the executive producer; Nawlege, music producer; Joe Remo, audio engineer; co-writer/assistant music director SH3; singer, Tanya LaReese; singer, Javi DRosa; singer, Flavia Rueda; musician, Ashley Smith; rapper Trinity Danielle Sanchez; singer, Jeff Blake; composer, Patti Ecker; musician, Joe Porter; sign language interpreter, Coral M. Furtado; video production, Clint Mourino and Ryan Justice; marketing, Denine Harper; web designer, Ryan Bremner; attorney, Mindi Richter; contributors, Yvonne March, Tim Paradis, Andre Kupfermunz, Lisa Roberts and Jane Karesh.

Five months later, Voice Your Vote 2020 was launched and its message is inspiring folks to get out to vote. It was all accomplished on the budget of one mans stimulus check, said Passoff. Voice Your Vote 2020 is a message from Tampa to the rest of the country that, like them, communities everywhere can get their family and friends to go to the polls to make a difference this year.

To watch the video, visit voiceyourvote2020.com/#musicvideo.

Ecker is a Chicago-area singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and entertainer whose releases include Praireland and Gypsy Lovers Eyes. She spent her formative musical years in Florida, where she honed her craft as a solo performer as well as in rock, jazz and original bands.

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