Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in We the Voters! Below, please find the answers to some of the most common questions I’ve received about this project.
About the Project
A: We the Voters is a multimedia interview project where I travel throughout all 50 of the United States to records the conversations I have along the way. I spend time in both small towns and large cities, asking questions about the many facets of life in the United States, to better understand the ways we are more alike than different. I wanted some company on the road, so I share updates via social media, my newsletter, and the blog on this site.
A: This project is currently me, Emily, and just me at the moment. I travel throughout the country listening to your stories, but also handle all of the writing, content capture, editing, social media, logistics planning, and other work along the way. (Yep, there’s no secret team behind the scenes!)
A: I kicked off the project on July 22, 2019. After traveling for eight months, I stepped off the road at state 26 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am still waiting to get back on the road safely.
A: No. I stepped off the road in March 2020 due to COVID-19, when I was completing state #26 of my road trip. I have spent the time since working on the editing and synthesizing the interviews and other experiences from my first year of We the Voters.
A: As soon as it’s safe to do so, I will return to the road and continue doing interviews across the remaining 24 states. (I can’t wait!)
A: I split my time between small towns, mid-size cities, and the largest city across all 50 states. (Yes, I have plans to visit both Alaska and Hawaii!)
A: I spend time in the largest city in every state. Mid-sized cities and small towns are chosen based on population, voting patterns, geographical location, and recommendations from people I meet along the way. Efforts are made to successfully cover as much of each state as possible within the time frame — as well as to meet as many people as possible.
A: I spend between 7 to 10 days in each state, depending on the state’s physical size. I usually spend 2 to 3 nights in every stop within a state, although I occasionally make day trips and single-night visits.
A: A day on the road is always changing! But usually, it contains a combination of interviews, editing, writing, sightseeing, and lots and lots of driving. As for off the road, I spend most of my days editing, writing, and planning for the trip ahead.
A: This project is funded by individual donors who believe in open-minded conversations and empathy, as well as my own personal savings. I am so humbled by and grateful for their generosity! We the Voters is not funded by any political party or other organization, which was a choice I made as an effort to maintain objectivity and creative control.
A: Thank you so much! This project wouldn’t be possible without people like you. You can donate by visiting here to make a recurring donation — or reach out to wethevotersproject@gmail.com for a one-time option via Venmo, Cashapp, PayPal, or personal check.
A: An easy (and free!) way to spread the word is by sharing the website, social media, or other content with your friends, family, and colleagues. Word of the mouth is the #1 way that this project has grown since July 2019 — and I am so grateful for your support!
A: This project was created to encourage empathy and understanding across the many ways we divide ourselves. I truly believe that we are more alike than we are different and I hope that We the Voters encourages you to find the common ground we all share.
A: No one’s perfect and I’m never going to insinuate that I am — or this project is. That said, I’m committed to sharing the stories of people I meet and places I see without any bias or secret agenda. Instead, I’m curious about the world around me and I have a feeling that you are too! I strive to share a snapshot of what’s happening around the United States, just as I see it, so we can all find a more full understanding of this country and its people.
A: Instead of pushing an agenda or point of view, this project attempts to provide a snapshot of what life is like in the United States today. Setting out on this project, I felt that there were stories not being told from places (and people) who deserve to be heard. We the Voters attempts to find and share those stories.
A: Absolutely! Wherever you like to follow people, you can probably find We the Voters. I am most active on Instagram (@wethevoters), Facebook (@wethevotersproject), and Twitter (@hiwethevoters).
A: After all the states have been visited and all of the interviews are complete, you will be able to connect with We the Voters via the podcast, the YouTube channel, and a full-length book that documents the entire experience.
About the Interviews
A: Some of my interviews are pre-planned, often with people who are invested in their communities. I also conduct spontaneous interviews with people I meet on the road, everywhere from town hall meetings and church gathering to bars and diners. Lastly, I take recommendations via a nomination form — please nominate yourself or a loved one today.
A: Absolutely! I’d love to capture your stories. Please fill out this form and I’ll be in touch to make arrangements. Note, unfortunately, due to travel schedules, I cannot guarantee every interview, but I promise I will try my best.
A: It is my goal to converse with as many Americans from as many backgrounds as possible throughout the trip, in order to see an accurate snapshot of what life is really like in America today. This includes talking to people from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, education, ability, gender, sexuality (etc) backgrounds, as well as conducted interviews in other languages, as appropriate. If you feel like a group if being underrepresented, I want to know! Please don’t hesitate to reach out at wethevotersproject@gmail.com.
A: Whether you’re listening to stories in the interview gallery or following along on the podcast, blog, or YouTube channel, please know that I NEVER edit any interview beyond necessary snips for clarity or length. Meaning, vocal tics like “ums” or long pauses may be removed, but there will never be any content changes made to conversations I had. I work relentlessly to ensure every story is fairly represented and no comment is taken out of context.
A: I have conducted more than 100 formal interviews and hundreds of casual conversations over more than half of the United States. Before the project is complete, I expect to capture more than 250 additional interviews as well as hundreds more in terms of casual conversations.
About the Writing (Book, Blog, and Newsletter)
A: I share a mix of project updates, news and small business roundups, interview snapshots, and reflections from the road.
A: I try my best to post six times a week, Monday through Saturday.
A: Absolutely! You can subscribe if you scroll down all the way to the bottom of this page, under “Never Miss a Post.”
A: You can use this subscription form or send me an email at wethevotersproject@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting with you in your inbox!
A: I send bi-weekly updates with photos, news about the project, on-the-fly analyses, and stories I don’t share anywhere else. It’s also the best way to get a first glimpse of upcoming content and other updates.
A: Since the project is in progress, the book is not yet complete — but when it is closer to publication, I will definitely let you know! Until then, follow along on the blog and newsletter for stories and musings from the road.
About the YouTube Channel
A: I share travel vlogs, behind-the-scenes exclusives, updates about the project, and more. Coming in Winter 2021, it will also be host to a monthly documentary short series.
A: I thought this would be a fun way to bring you along on the road with me, whether that’s showing you the changing landscape across the United States or bringing you as a fly on the wall to the conversations I have along the way.
A: The documentary series will be launching in Winter 2021, right on the We the Voters YouTube channel.
A: I will be sharing monthly documentary shorts on facets of life in the United States. These 20 to 30 minute videos will explore major conversations being had in the country today.
A: You can get notifications when I upload new videos by visiting my channel and pressing the button that says "subscribe." If you want behind-the-scenes updates, subscribe to my newsletter via this form or by emailing wethevotersproject@gmail.com.
About the Podcast
A: A podcast is, essentially, a radio show that you can listen to on demand. It’s a convenient way to listen to stories and interviews from We the Voters in an engaging new format.
A: The podcast is launching in Fall 2020. When it launches, you will be able to listen to podcast through all of your favorite podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and Overcast. It will be also available via the YouTube channel and a Soundcloud feed.
A: The podcast will include 30 to 45 minute episodes that examine different facets of an overarching theme in a 12-episode season. The first season was chosen by the We the Voters community: Debunking American Myths.
A: The podcast will include a mix of interviews with experts and conversations I have on the road. Each episode will address a new topic from a variety of perspectives so you, the listener, can come to your own conclusions.
A: You can get inbox updates about the podcast and other project news via the We the Voters newsletter. Subscribe today via this form or by emailing wethevotersproject@gmail.com.
About Emily
A: I’ve tried my hand at a lot of things, including broadcast production, advertising, politics, and public relations. My background in media, the arts, and yes — talking a lot — fuel my ability to do this project. My curiosity about people led me to the road and wherever this project may lead.
A: Each state has been unique and fascinating in their own right, so it’s insanely difficult to pick a favorite! But since that’s a non-answer, I will say: did you really expect this Wisconsinite to say anything else but the Badger state? ;
A: The best part is definitely the people! I love all of the conversations I get to have along the way, whether that’s sitting down for a formal interview or just sharing a couple beers over a game of pool. The most challenging part is the frequent long-distance driving, which can be pretty draining. I drove more than 40,000 miles in my first year on the road!
A: I cannot deny that We the Voters is A LOT of work. Honestly, I get by the best I can by working 6 to 14 hours a day, almost every single day. Coffee and a high-energy playlist are my favorite coworkers. Days off are rare but cherished. That all said, I have to confess — I truly love the work I do!
A: No, I swear I’m not! While I saved a lot before starting this project in July 2019, the majority of my funds come from extraordinary, generous donors who make a small monthly contribution. If you’d like to join them, I would be so grateful! You can learn more here.
A: I know that opening up is hard – and I am so grateful that you are considering sharing your story with me! I am coming into this project with an open heart and mind, and the dedication to share your story exactly as you tell it, so we can all start to better understand our neighbors. Also – I have quite the diverse background, so I have a feeling we have way more in common than you may think.
A: The million dollar question — and I swear, one of my most-often asked! The short answer is I’m not quite sure, but I have a few ideas bouncing around. For now, I’m enjoying the open road and all of the possibilities it may bring.
Have more questions?
You can write me anytime at wethevotersproject@gmail.com or drop me a line in the commend box below. I’ll do my best to respond as fast as possible — but always within 5 to 7 business days. If the request is urgent, please mark it as TIME SENSITIVE in the subject line.
Thank you for your patience. I look forward to chatting with you!