We’ve gotta get out the vote.
“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” - Larry J. Sabato
We’re coming into the home stretch in the 2020 elections. We all know how much is at stake. You probably have either already voted or plan to vote but may be wondering what else you can do this year to move the needle. Let’s get to work. - Amber & Katie
In the 2016 election, only 56% of voting age adults cast their vote. What’s more, only 64% of voting age adults were registered to vote, period.
Why don’t Americans vote? Some of it is by design. Registering to vote in many states is intentionally onerous, and once a person has registered to vote, many states routinely conduct voter purges that boot people off voter rolls. There is also outright suppression at the polls, especially since the Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision in 2013 gutted the Voting Rights Act. States have used voter ID and street address requirements, reduced polling locations and hours, and complicated absentee ballot procedures to reduce voter turnout. Notably, virtually all voter suppression measures are intended to suppress marginalized voters who are more likely to vote for Democrats.
Beyond structural obstacles, many people feel they’re not represented by the options on the ballot. They don’t like any of the candidates, so they stay home. Or they feel like it doesn’t matter whom they vote for. Others feel they’re not sufficiently informed to cast a vote.
Whatever the reasons, low voter turnout tends to hurt candidates on the left down the ballot more than the right. So if you want to see progressive change, one of the most impactful things you can do is to get more people to vote.
Vote Forward is dedicated to increasing voter participation this election year by sending 15 million letters to potential voters ahead of the elections. Vote Forward tests their methods and messages to find out which are most effective. They’ve found that good old-fashioned letters in their easy-to-use format are more effective at getting people to the polls than text banking, sending emails, or even going door-to-door.
This year, they’re partnering with progressive groups like Indivisible, the Women’s March, and Swing Left to reach out to marginalized groups and low-propensity left-leaning voters. With a “big send” coordinated mailing date of October 17th, they’re hoping to maximize their ability to motivate recipients to the polls. It’s like pen pals that save democracy!
Sign up with Vote Forward. (Keep in mind that it can take up to 24 hours to be verified.) Then adopt some voters, gather your materials, and start writing letters using Vote Forward’s helpful tips. Drop all your letters in the mail on October 17th.
Go one step further and organize a virtual letter-writing party with your friends.
If you’re trying to boost someone’s confidence about voting, share Ballot Ready, which provides a sample ballot based on your location. Research candidates ahead of time and carry a printed list into the voting booth. Ballot Ready also provides valuable information about when and how to cast a vote in each state.
Share local voting guides on social media--most local papers run one during elections--to boost interest and knowledge about the candidates.
Use these tactics to persuade folks on the fence to show up at the polls.
Make voting a social[ly distanced] activity. Set a date and time to vote, and invite your friends, family, and coworkers to vote with you. Remind them if they need to bring anything with them, like voter ID.
If you’re not voting in person, you can still make voting social! Set up a virtual happy hour to fill out your mail-in ballots with friends. Just make sure you mail your ballot in with plenty of time for the USPS to deliver it, so your vote will count.
Text your friends to make sure they have a voting plan. Use the Outvote app’s tailored messages to your contacts or join a GOTV campaign, like When We All Vote.
If you see or experience anything resembling voter suppression, or have other questions about your rights, call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683.
Find us on Instagram @LinkedandLoud and #LinkedandLoud, and let us know how you’ve taken action.
References
U.S. trails most developed countries in voter turnout | Pew Research
Voter Suppression During the 2018 Midterm Elections | Center for American Progress
The New Voter Suppression | Brennan Center for Justice
I asked people why they don’t vote, and this is what they told me | The Conversation
Dislike of candidates or campaign issues was most common reason for not voting in 2016 | Pew Research
Why Don't Americans Vote? | The Sanders Institute
Help Get Out the Vote | Rock the Vote