The midterm elections are coming up on November 6th, and now is a great time to reach out to the people in your life who live in states with contentious races and encourage them to participate in this historic election. For instance, in Georgia, Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams is running for governor against Republican Brian Kemp, and there no better time to reach out to your third cousin that you met that one time and make an impassioned argument for them to do their civic duty this election. If you’re looking for a way in, here’s how to make small talk with your third cousin who lives in Georgia before just absolutely begging them to go and vote.

Say ‘Hi’

Remember to start off by saying ‘hello’ to your distant cousin who you literally met one time when you were six! Although you have much more important business to get to later on in this email, it’s important to start off calm and collected. You also want to make it personal because, even though you’re not even sure if they’re last name is still the same as yours, a couple paragraphs from now you’re going to be begging them to vote on November 6th for the candidate that wants to boost public education, expand Medicaid and support stricter gun laws (spoiler, it’s Stacey Abrams)!

Introduce Yourself

It’s been years! After all, this is not your first cousin or your second cousin. They are in fact, your third cousin, which is arguably not even family, but even though it’s going to be awkward, gently remind them who you are (the daughter of their mom’s second cousin) and how you’re doing. This part is boring, but soon you’ll be explaining that Abrams opposes further abortion restrictions and believes that climate change is real, so it is ESSENTIAL they turn out to vote. Tell them you’d be totally happy to research their polling place and let them know the fastest route there! Haha, chill!

Keep It Light At First

Tell that funny story! You know, that family story where your mom (their mom’s second cousin) went to the pound to get a puppy and came back with four kittens? That’s a fun one – you know what else is a fun one? Not small talking and getting to the fucking issues! Keep reading!

Explain Why Abrams Absolutely Needs Their Vote But Even If They’re Voting For Kemp Who’s Accused of Voter Suppression This Is a Responsibility That Will Alter the Fate of Millions of Georgians and Is Essential To Maintaining the Democracy of our Country

Then you can say “let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to seeing a photo of you with an ‘I Voted’ sticker come November 6th!” Sincerely, your third cousin!

Use these tips to small talk with that rando relative from Georgia before proudly getting on your knees and begging them to vote their heart out next week! And if they need an absentee ballot, Georgians have until November 2nd to request one! And if they didn’t register to vote, feel free to stop answering their emails!