Confusion among Star Trek fans as Trek the Vote nonpartisan initiative and Joe Biden fundraiser overlap
While Trek the Vote and Trek the Vote share a name, they do not share political affiliations
OCTOBER 5, 2020 - With just under a month left until the presidential election here in the United States, Trekkies have found themselves confused by two initiatives with the same name.
Last week, we told you about Trek the Vote, a non-partisan initiative that aims to match Trekkies with local organizations that promote fair and equitable elections. Trek the Vote’s partner organizations include Election Protection, Power the Polls, Poll Hero, and Stacey Abrams’ Fair Count.
Then this weekend, the Biden Victory Fund, in support of Joe Biden for president, announced a fundraising event scheduled for October 13th, also called Trek the Vote, with some of the same Trek stars as the non-partisan initiative. The event, which also features politicians and noted Trekkies Andrew Yang, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg and Stacey Abrams, aims to attract donations from Trek fans, with entertainment including Q&As, panels and a trivia game. After several Trek stars promoted the Biden Victory Fund event, some Trekkies were left understandably confused.
Trek the Vote is “a grassroots, fan-driven volunteer drive” advocating "fair & equitable electoral process”. not affiliated with CBS or Star Trek and claim to be non partisan. So why is this event asking for donations to Joe Biden? 🧐 No axe to grind, just confused. pic.twitter.com/MZmpNubPY2
— Liz Hanbury (@Liz_Hanbury) October 3, 2020
On Friday afternoon, Trek the Vote (the non-partisan initiative) released the following statement on Twitter: “Just so there is no confusion, we aren’t raising money for candidates. There’s another initiative (with the same name as us) that is. We’re still an all-volunteer, grassroots project pairing Trekkies with election integrity volunteer opportunities.”
Just so there is no confusion, we aren’t raising money for candidates.
— Trek the Vote (@TrektheVote) October 3, 2020
There’s another initiative (with the same name as us) that is.
We’re still an all-volunteer, grassroots project pairing Trekkies with election integrity volunteer opportunities.https://t.co/AgpR2sEbR6
Even Star Trek: Picard actor Jonathan Del Arco, one of the guests for the Biden Victory Fund event, weighed in on the confusion, suggesting that it’s simply a case of coincidental timing. He tweeted on Saturday: “I think the campaign has had this in the works for a couple of months. I wish I knew you were out there [...] I would have raised a flag- this event will be one and done so it should not be an issue in a week or so.”
I think the campaign has had this in the works for a couple of months. I wish I knew you were out there (I see lots of my friends joining you but no one asked me about it) I would have raised a flag- this event will be one and done so it should not be an issue in a week or so. https://t.co/kHIyxlDtfC
— Jonathan Del Arco (@JonathanDelArco) October 3, 2020
So...just to be clear:
You can find more information on the non-partisan initiative Trek the Vote at trekthevote.com. Volunteer to be connected with a local organization and train to work polls, counter election disinformation, help voters with basic needs, and protect voting rights and election results.
For the separate Biden Victory Fund event, head to joebiden.com/trekthevote. This is a fundraising event that takes place on Tuesday, October 13th, at 6pm ET, and is raising money specifically in support of Joe Biden, the Democratic Presidential nominee.
And whether you check out one or both or neither Trek the Votes, don’t forget to register and vote in this year’s presidential election; it’s more important than ever. You can find out more about how to register and how to vote at usa.gov/voting.
