More fun than a bucket of salt.
  • More fun than a bucket of salt.
Last year, over 300 volunteers knocked on 8,000 doors in Seattle on Halloween to remind people to vote days before the election. This year, the Washington Bus tells me they've got an army of 1,150 people already signed up to canvas neighborhoods in costume for Trick or Vote. But it's not too late to get in on the action—sign up here.


What happens is this: Volunteers meet at Washington Hall (153 14th Ave) at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday—Halloween. From there, they're sent into Seattle neighborhoods to infiltrate packs of costumed children ringing doorbells for candy. When doors open, the costumed canvassers shout, "Trick or vote!" instead of "Trick or Treat!" If the resident says "Vote!" they're given voting literature to remind people to vote. If the resident says, "Trick!" the volunteer steals a child.


This pattern continues until approximately 7:30 p.m., when the costumed volunteers return to Washington Hall to "drink and party until [their] brains fall out," explains Toby Crittenden, a spokesman for the Bus. Musical guests include Helladope, Hi Life Sound System, and Selector Tang.


Gangs of Trick-or-Voters are also assembling in Vancouver and Spokane. To get in on the action, sign up here.

*Joking! Stealing is wrong. Borrowing is fine.