November 4, 2020

Hey PWN family,

You came through!

In a year of a new pandemic; of a brutal backlash to uprisings for racial justice; and in the face of so many threats to our bodily autonomy, our families, and our communities, you have played a critical part of the most important election in our lifetimes.

We know it is not over — and we will make sure it isn’t over until every vote is counted, in every election, because every vote counts — but we need to reach out to you today with love and gratitude for all you have done to speak up and turn out for democracy, for fairness, and for the future.

You are part of a massive movement of voters — voting early, voting by mail, voting despite long lines and other suppression tactics.

You pushed forward to uplift what all of our communities need: health care and reproductive justice, an all-out effort to confront COVID-19 and HIV, and deep economic and social transformation so we can all live with dignity and safety.

What we woke up to this morning is exactly what we expected and prepared for. We may be feeling tired from all the work we’ve done to raise our voices, and by the daily realities of pandemics and racial injustice we may also see reflected in elections. But we have much to be proud of, and can continue to inform each other and work together in the days ahead​.

We’re with you all the way.

Here are a few reminders about what we need to do today, tomorrow, and every day until we have what we need to live and thrive:

1. Share the truth and inspiration — not misinformation.


As expected, it’s taking longer than a day:

The 2020 election isn’t just one day – and it wasn’t just one election, with local and state candidates in races across the country. So, it was totally expected that it would take more than a day to count all our votes and verify winners in this year’s election.

Each election — with 51 separate counts across the states and Washington, D.C. — is run by certified election officials who ensure that each voter casts one ballot and that every eligible vote is counted accurately.

Let’s remind ourselves, our families, and our communities that every vote counts, so every vote needs to be counted. That it takes a while is actually a sign that the system is working properly and that every vote is being counted.

2. Connect and protect each other:

Just like we prepare for hurricanes or wildfires, we’ve set up ways to prepare for this election and the days that follow. Networks by and for people living with HIV are here for you.

  • Get and share our letter in English and in Spanish for tips, a checklist, and more info to help you stay strong in the days ahead.

  • We’re building a web of connection with daily check-ins and support. Join a PWN phone tree to stay connected.

In the long months of the 2020 campaigns, candidates had time to have their say – now the will of the people needs to be respected to determine the outcome. You’ve been a vital part of the call for justice in our country.  

We see you, we love you and we thank you — and we’re in it alongside you to see this through.