With Election Day in November coming soon, it’s up to us to make sure everyone has the information and ability to cast their vote! Here are five ways you can empower voters and defend democracy.
1. Register Voters
To make their voices heard, Americans need to register to vote – but voter registration opportunities are not created equally. Overly complicated or challenging registration processes are one of the most common forms of voter suppression, and they disproportionately impact communities of color.
By volunteering to register voters, you can be the difference in whether someone is able to cast their ballot. LWV Anderson SC works with nonprofit organizations, associations, and schools to host voter registration drives, virtually and in-person, throughout the year. By joining, you can be part of those efforts. You can also host your own drive or share voter registration tools in a matter of seconds by promoting VOTE411.org on your social media.
2. Spread the Word
Door-to-door canvassing is considered the best way to Get Out the Vote (GOTV) – in one study, it increased election turnout by 9 percentage points. But if that’s not the route for you, don’t worry: phonebanks, textbanks, direct mail, and literature drops are all effective ways to get out the vote.
Search for opportunities in your community – GOTV efforts are more effective when taken by locals. That’s why spreading the word with LWV Anderson SC is the best way to make sure community members know their rights, and how to exercise them!
3. Advocate for voting rights legislation
With proposed anti-voter legislation at a historic high, we the people must work to ensure that voting is fair, transparent, and accessible. Stay on top of voting legislation by watching our TAKE ACTION activities (which you can receive via email) or joining LWVUS’s OutreachCircle.
4. Get Your Friends to Follow the Leader
If it feels safe to do so, organize a carpool to the polls on Election Day. It’s an easy way to get your loved ones to vote, plus you can celebrate your civic engagement afterwards.
Can’t carpool? Studies show that forming an election plan with someone makes them more likely to vote. In your next conversation, ask them how they’re planning on voting, what time they’ll stop by the polls, whether they’ll walk or go by car, etc.
5. Support Voting Rights Organizations
You may not have time to spare, and that’s okay. You can still volunteer your resources to defend democracy by supporting voting rights organizations like LWV Anderson SC, Black Voters Matter, Native American Voting Rights, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Voto Latino, or others you know about.
Adapted from an article published on the LWVUS website.
