What To Do If Your State Turns Red

The Republican party has gone under fire from both Democrats and independent voters for the many controversial or downright corrupt movements they have made over the past 100 days. That being said, more people are voting Republican than ever before - and that means that many blue states and swing states may turn red.

Most people who live in Democrat regions feel safe at home, knowing that their reproductive rights won't be taken away and that they don't have to worry about LGBTQ discrimination on a state level. But, what happens if the red state politics start coming to you?

Here's what your options are, and how you can avoid it, and what to do if your state turns red.

First things first, vote.

The best way to avoid this happening to you is to go out and vote for politicians that you feel actually act on your behalf. Additionally, listen to the promises and rhetoric that politicians are using to sway their voters to one side or another.

A major warning sign that bad things are to come is if you hear politicians talking about slashing programs that benefit the poor. If the poor get no help, a large portion of society ends up suffering - including the middle class.

If you hear a politician promising to defund Planned Parenthood, talking about how they'll cut welfare, or minimize discrimination of any sort, believe them. They are showing their true colors here - and it's not something you can just assume is all talk. After all, that's how Trump got elected.

Call your politician's office to voice your opinions.

Something you can do when your state turns red is to make sure that you call, not email, your representatives. By law, they have to actually answer and record your calls. If they aren't doing what you want them to do, they need to know that.

Pressure does build, and politicians generally know that too much anger at them will result in them losing their job, losing support, or even getting harassed outside of their job times. Those calls you make can hold serious sway, so don't discount their power.

Get other people out to the polls too.

According to the New York Times, the big difference between Democrats and Republicans in red states often comes down to who shows up at the polls. The fact is that being wealthier often means that you will have enough time to make it to the polls; meanwhile the people who benefit from Democrat policies tend to be the ones who are too poor to take a day off so that they can vote.

Getting people to the polls is something you can do if your state turns red. Volunteering rides can make a huge difference in whether or not people can make it out there.

Consider acting on a local level.

Politicians can take away the government's ability to fund things like programs, but that doesn't mean that you have to just take it lying down. Fundraising or even opening up your own nonprofit can help cushion the blow of politicians that choose to act against your interest.

If you really are worried about the kind of policies that your politician is trying to push, start bracing yourself for the worst.

A lot of Republican policies can seriously negatively affect personal finances, health, and more - particularly if you are not making much money. This is a good time to consider picking up an extra job, stashing away "rainy day" money, reading up on your rights, and donating to your local ACLU chapter.

The more prepared you are, the less likely it is that the policies they put in place will turn your life upside down.

If it gets really ugly, you may want to consider moving out.

Sometimes, it's time to realize that your political beliefs may be too different from the locals to actually reconcile. While it may not just be easy to pack up and move, it is something you can do if your state turns red. This is particularly true if you notice worrying trends involving threats, violence, or harassment towards people who have liberal inclinations.

If people are behaving that badly, it may be time to just let that ship sink - even if it may break your heart to do so.