We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Motherhood is political . Beyond shaping the nation that our children will grow up in, everything from healthcare and our rights to our bodies to the lack of paid parental leave and the impact of racism will be impacted in this election.

A recent survey by Care.com found that 82% of parents are registered to (and plan to) vote in the 2020 election. Another survey by Peanut discovered 73% of mothers are worried about voter suppression . Polls found that women’s votes could be crucial in this year’s election . And, while kids are legally allowed to accompany parents to the polls , certain things varies from state to state, like age limits and how many kids allowed in the booth.

We know how important it is to get out and vote, but it’s not so simple. Parents are currently balancing full-time work, part-time teaching and normal life in the midst of a pandemic. So why don’t we do more to support parents actually getting to the polls?

Here’s how you can get free childcare on Election Day 2020:

Care.com partnership with Armed Services YMCA

Beginning October 13, parents can log onto this landing page to reserve a free 4-hour spot for their kids at a local chilcare facility—yep, paid for by Care.com. Once confirmed, on November 3rd, drop off your littles at their reserved spot at a participating ASYMCA.

Keep in mind you’ll need to register ahead of time, bring your ID and comply with COVID-19 safety measures.

Participating locations are:

  • San Diego, CA (1 location)
  • Twentynine Palms, CA (1 location: only available to military families )
  • Colorado Springs, CO (3 locations)
  • Daytona, FL (2 locations)
  • Augusta, GA (1 location)
  • Savannah, GA (1 location)
  • O’Fallon, IL (1 location)
  • Jacksonville, NC (1 location)
  • Rochester, NY (1 location)
  • Watertown, NY (3 locations)
  • Oklahoma City, OK (2 locations)
  • Nashville, TN (2 locations)
  • El Paso, TX (1 location)
  • Fort Worth, TX (3 locations)
  • San Antonio, TX (2 locations)
  • Salt Lake City, UT (2 locations)

Consider your pandemic bubble

We absolutely understand social distancing makes everything a bit more difficult this year. With school up in the air and stricter safety precautions being taken (maybe you don’t want to risk exposing your parents to smaller kids right now), it might feel like there are no solutions. But think creatively.

Are there friends or family members who you’re in a pandemic bubble with? Opt for voting shifts. One person stays behind to take care of everyone, then switch. Or, go to the polls together and have one person stand outside of the line and vice versa.

[Editor’s note: Motherly is committed to covering all relevant presidential candidate plans as we approach the 2020 election. We are making efforts to get information from all candidates. Motherly does not endorse any political party or candidate. We stand with and for mothers and advocate for solutions that will reduce maternal stress and benefit women, families and the country.]