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Common Ballot Mistakes

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:33:20 GMT

Each election cycle, thousands of ballots are not counted due to preventable errors. Avoid these common mistakes related to completing and returning Absentee/By Mail ballots to ensure your ballot is counted.

1. Missed Deadlines

Ballots that arrive after the state deadline won’t be counted. Make sure your ballot has enough time to travel through the mail to your election office so that it is received on time.

In most states, ballots are due at your election official by the time polls close on Election Day — no matter when you put it in the mail. This means you should allow a week for your ballot’s travel time.

If you don’t have 7 days until Election Day, it’s best to pick an in-person return option where available. (Heads up: Not all states allow this — In Mississippi and Tennessee, ballots sent by mail can only be returned by mail. In a handful of other states — including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, West Virginia — hand-returned ballots are due before Election Day itself.)

2. Missing Voter Signatures

While each state's ballot is different, voters generally need to sign and date the designated section within the ballot return packet or outer envelope. Without these elements, your ballot may not be counted.

Your signature may be matched to the one the state has on file for your voter registration to confirm your identity, so make sure you write it the way you “usually” Now isn’t the time to try a new style! Some states have additional sections for Witness/Notary signatures, in addition to the voter's signature.

3. Missing Witness/Notary Signatures

10 states require a Witness and/or Notary Public to sign a designated section of the ballot packet.

This person should not look at how you vote, but only confirm you were the one who completed the ballot. In some states, they require 2 Witnesses.

In most cases, a Witness can be anyone who is 18+, including family members or spouse. In Minnesota, your Witness must be another registered MN voter.

Make sure your Witness fills out all required sections, such as their address when requested.

Missouri, Mississippi and Oklahoma are the most strict here, as they require ballots to be Notarized, with limited exceptions when the voter is physically disabled, ill, or incapacitated. If returning your ballot in-person, the election official receiving your ballot can count as your Notary signature. If returning your ballot by mail, you must complete this step before sending your ballot.

4. Missing ID Number

There may be a section in your ballot packet to print an identification number, like a Driver's License Number or Social Security Number. Don’t return your ballot without printing this number fully and neatly.

Some states ask for a personal identification number on the ballot envelope or another section of your packet. This is used to help confirm your identity. Often this is your Driver’s License Number or other State-issued ID Number or Social Security Number. There are usually fall-back options if not able to provide the requested number. (In a handful of states, they ask for a copy of your ID in the ballot packet rather than just writing the number.)

5. Missing Materials

Your ballot arrives with everything you need to return it. Use only the materials provided — don't exclude anything, or use your own.

Election officials have sophisticated procedures for counting and processing ballots. For them to work, you must use the provided, official materials. If your return envelope gets damaged by a spill or tear, contact your official ASAP to go through options — don’t use your own envelope.

Follow the instructions for how to fold your voted ballot inside the return envelope, and don’t add in anything that didn’t come with it (other than a copy of your ID, when required). Some ballot packets include a “secrecy sleeve” for your voted ballot, which goes inside the return envelope.just writing the number.)

5. Missing Materials

Your ballot arrives with everything you need to return it. Use only the materials provided — don't exclude anything, or use your own.

"Tricky" Absentee Rules

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:04:27 GMT

Voting in some states is more straightforward than in others. Each election, hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots are not counted due to missed deadlines, missing signatures and ID numbers, and other preventable errors. Here are states with "tricky" rules and requirements to be aware of.

Notary & Absentee Requirements��

These states require Notary Publics and/or Witnesses to sign designated locations on the ballot envelope before it’s returned. An * indicates the states with the most burdensome requirements, due to a Notary signature being required for most voters.

Alaska - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a “person qualified to administer oaths” but can use anyone over 18 as a Witness if this is not readily available.

Alabama - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by either a Notary OR by two Witnesses (anyone over 18).

Louisiana - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Witness (anyone over 18).

Minnesota * - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Notary or Witness, but the Witness must be a registered MN voter, which can be difficult for out-of-state voters.

Missouri* - Voters must have ballot envelope notarized, unless voting absentee due to permanent disability, illness, or confinement.

Mississippi* - Voters must have ballot envelope notarized, unless temporarily or permanently disabled, in which case they can instead use a Witness (anyone over 18).

North Carolina - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by either a Notary OR by two Witnesses (anyone over 18, not a candidate on ballot).

Oklahoma* - Voters must have ballot envelope notarized, unless using a "physically incapacitated" ballot, in which case they can instead use two Witnesses.

South Carolina - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Witness (anyone over 18).

Wisconsin - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Witness (any US adult citizen, not a candidate on ballot).

Identification Requirements ��

These states require voters to include a copy of acceptable ID when returning the ballot and/or show ID when returning the ballot in-person. Note: we include states where a copy of ID must be shown or included, not where an ID number must be listed on the ballot envelope.

Arkansas - Voters must include a photocopy of Photo ID with their ballot. ID must be issued by the US, Arkansas, or an accredited in-state postsecondary institution.

North Carolina - Voters must include a photocopy of ID or an “exception form" with their ballot. ID must be issued by the US, North Carolina, or an approved NC school.

Oklahoma - Voters returning ballots in-person must show Photo ID like a Driver's License or Passport. Student ID doesn't count.

Texas - Voters returning ballots in-person must show Photo ID, like a Driver's License or Passport, and sign a form. Student ID doesn't count.

South Carolina - Voters returning ballots in-person must show Photo ID like Driver's License or US Passport. Student ID doesn't count.

West Virginia - First-time voters must include copy of ID with current name and address like a Driver's License, utility bill, or paycheck.

Return Deadlines Before Election Day ��

These states require voters to return their absentee ballots by mail and/or by hand before Election Day itself. If the voter waits until Election Day to return their ballot, it will not be counted.

Alabama - Ballots returned in-person are due by 5 PM on the day before Election Day at the election official's office. Voters can't return their ballot on Election Day.

Arkansas -Ballots returned in-person are due by the Friday before Election Day at the election official's office. Voters can't return their ballot on Election Day.

Kansas - While voters have until Election Day to "postmark" their ballot, this is cutting it close as it must arrive within three more days to be counted. It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

Louisiana - Whether mailed back or returned in-person, ballots are due at 4:30 PM on the day before Election Day. Voters can't return their ballot on Election Day. It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

Mississippi - Mailed absentee ballots can only be returned by mail. There is no in-person drop-off option. It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

North Dakota - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot. Mailed ballots must be "postmarked" by the day before Election Day, while those returned by hand must be received by the election official by 5 PM the day before Election Day.

New Hampshire - Ballots returned in-person are due by 5 PM on the day before Election Day at the election official's office. On Election Day, the election office will only accept hand-delivered ballots from a delivery agent, like a spouse or near relative.

Ohio - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot by mail. Mailed ballots must be "postmarked" by the day before Election Day, Voters can still return their ballot in-person until the time that polls close on Election Day.

Oklahoma - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot in-person. Election officials must receive hand-returned ballots in their office by close of business hours on the day before Election Day.

Tennessee - Mailed absentee ballots can only be returned by mail. There is no in-person drop-off option. It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

Utah - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot by mail. Mailed ballots must be "postmarked" by the day before Election Day, Voters can still return their ballot in-person until the time that polls close on Election Day.

West Virginia - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot in-person. Election officials must receive hand-returned ballots in their office by close of business hours on the day before Election Day.

Where To Register as a College Student

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 05:22:43 GMT

As a college student, you can vote at your campus or home address — it's up to you! This article contains prompts guide your decision and an overview of relevant rules.

Overview

As a college student, you have the right to vote at your campus or home address.

College students, like all individuals, can register and vote in the community that they regard as their primary or main residence. This means that you have the option to vote at a campus address or another “home” address.

To help make the decision of where to register, here are questions to consider:

Where will you be living at the time of the next election?
Which address do you have more access to when it comes to voting?
Which community do you want to advocate for and feel most connected to?

Making Your Choice

While the choice of where to register is up to you, there are some additional considerations that may shape your decision.

�� Residency Requirements

In states with "residency requirements," you must have lived at a location for a set amount of time (usually 30 days before Election Day) to be eligible to register there. Before deciding to register on campus, ensure you meet these requirements.

�� Voter ID Requirements

Many states require voters to show identification at the polls (and, less frequently, to request or return an absentee ballot).

Some, but not all, states accept Student ID as acceptable identification. Of the states that do accept Student ID, some accept ID only from in-state institutions, while others accept ID from any school in the US.

Be sure to register in a location where you'll be able to meet any identification requirements that exist. This might look like registering in the location where you have a Driver's License. Keep in mind that US Passports are accepted as ID in any state.

✈️ Physical Location

Make sure that you're actually able to access and cast a ballot from where you register.

Depending on how far you live from campus, if you register at "home" instead of school, consider voting by mail so you don't need to make a trip back to your polling place.

You can request a ballot be sent to you at your campus address, even if registered in another state. After filling out your ballot, you can mail it back to the election office.

If you're in a state that automatically sends mail ballots to registered voters (like California, Colorado and Washington) then you may need to request your ballot to a different location. Be sure to check where you're registered so that your ballot ends up in the same place as you.

Other Considerations

Here are some other things to keep in mind when registering to vote as a college student.

��️ Registering at a Campus Address

Your campus may provide you with a specific address to use for registration purposes, particularly if you live in a dorm without a typical 'street number.' You can't use a P.O. Box as a registration address.

�� Changing Your Registration Address

Update your registration anytime your "home" address changes, such as moving dorms or houses between academic years.

You must be registered in just one location at a time. It's not allowed to be registered in more than one place at a time.

If you decide to change your registration within the same state, update your registration address. If you are changing your registration to a new state, be sure to contact your former election official to cancel your existing registration.

�� Voting While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad during an election? As a US citizen, you can vote from anywhere in the world.

Leave yourself plenty of time to meet deadlines by requesting a ballot as early as you can to your FVAP, the Federal Voting Assistance Program , is designed for Service members, their families and overseas citizens.

Additional Resources

Vote.gov: Voting As A College Student
FindLaw: Away at College? How and Where Do You Vote?
ALL IN: Out of State College Student Voting Guide

Vote By Mail 101

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:09:27 GMT

Thanks to the National Vote At Home Institute for providing this FAQ!

Integrating Voting Into Academics

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 01:32:40 GMT

Encouragement from faculty, staff, and other students makes a significant difference in student registration and turnout. This is a guide to "making the case" for talking about voter engagement and upcoming elections in higher ed courses.

The 'Why'

Why should college and universities promote talking about voter registration and education in classrooms?

Not only is it a federal legal requirement for schools to provide voter registration forms to enrolled students, it's also an effective strategy for increasing participation.

Research shows shows encouragement from faculty, staff, and other students makes a significant difference in engagement.

In a study of short classroom presentations by both students and professors:

Voter registration rates increased by approximately 6 percentage points
Voter turnout rates increased by 2.6 percentage points.

College courses are also one of the most effective ways to support civic engagement because of timing in young voters' lives:

College students are young, have little or no history of voting, and are residentially mobile, which makes them a population in great need of registering to vote.
Voting is habit-forming: Longitudinal studies show that voting in one election substantially increases the likelihood of voting in the future, so helping students vote in their first election sets them up to be a voter for life.
Many students mistakenly assume that they were registered to vote in high school, and not realize this until it's too late. Students who did register in high school may want to to update it to their campus residence. Students have the right to register either at home or school.
Since you must be registered at your current address, students benefit from extra prompting to check their registration status since they often move year-to-year.
Students could have be purged from voter rolls if they've skipped elections in the past, and will not realize this unless they check their registration status.

Making The Case

Despite the impact of this strategy, it’s not always clear how to make space to talk about voting in an academic environment that doesn't feel directly aligned with elections, like Political Science or History.

These are some recommended talking points and suggestions to make the case.

No matter what your field of study, elected officials and policy shape:

The laws that regulate or deregulate your industry
The type of research that occurs and is funded in your field
Cost and rules around student loans and tuition that impact every student

Your Major On The Ballot is a resource from American University that makes the case for how voting connects to dozens of majors, from Accounting to Visual Arts.

A few highlights:

Accounting and Finance: Governments spend a lot of money! The Constitution delegates "the power of the purse" to the U.S. House of Representatives. Because we elect House members every two years, we have a say in taxes and where public money goes. Enter financial gurus like you— if you care about effective public spending and financial transparency, you've got a reason to vote.

Engineering: When it comes to infrastructure design, public transportation, energy sources, and investments in the military, engineers matter a great deal! When governments authorize funding for any of the projects mentioned above, politicians rely on engineers for safe, quality results. We need you to vote—your voice has the potential to boost public safety, economic mobility, and even environmental health!

Physics: Physics serves as the foundation of all energy policy and space travel. Physics is also a major player in infrastructure and military engineering. To ensure that governments are investing enough money into scientific research, fossil fuels, alternative energy sources, and the military, we need physics majors like you to get involved in politics, and that starts by getting out the vote!

Guiding Questions & Suggestions

There are numerous ways to incorporate voting into academics.

In addition to in-classroom presentations by the office or campus coalition that leads voter engagement, your team can recommend that faculty members include information about voting and upcoming elections on their course syllabi.

Course Syllabi

According to the Campus Election Engagement Project , one of the fundamental ways that faculty can establish community norms is through syllabus language (ex: how to access disability services).

Syllabi also provide unique access to all enrolled students. Embedding resources on how to register and vote not only educates and reminds students, but it helps "normalize" and institutionalize voter engagement on campus.

The timing is also well-aligned. Students first see their syllabi at the beginning of the new academic year, ahead of November election registration deadlines. Students also regularly revisit syllabi throughout the semester.

Classroom Discussions

If faculty members wish to host voting discussions in their classrooms, these are useful resources to consult:

The University of Michigan’s Ginsberg Center has compiled a set of faculty-oriented resources to promote reflections and discussions, with prompts including:

What examples can you share of how broader economic, political, health, educational and social systems impact your discipline or field?
How is your discipline or field affected by local, state or federal legislative policies or judicial decisions?
What forms of data and analysis are considered legitimate in your field and why?

The Campus Election Engagement Project offers suggestions for integrating election issues into courses through conversations, assignments and volunteerism.

Examples include:

Give academic credit for student election engagement service.
Assign related research and writing projects related to election topics.
Have students create their own nonpartisan candidate or issue guides.
Have students fact-check as a strategy to teach media literacy skills.

Project Pericles , a nonprofit organization, offers a guide for educators featuring 10-15 minute activities that can be used independently or in conjunction with existing plans. They also have a sample presentation deck on "Why Voting Matters."

STEM-Specific Resources

STEM students vote at lower rates compared to other types of programs.

This means STEM professors can make a major impact both by incorporating discussions about democracy and voting into their classes and reducing voting barriers like not scheduling labs on Election Day.

The Science and Civics Guide offers discussion guides for specific areas of study. (ie. How do you think we should make decisions about space travel? What is the role of chemists and product engineers regarding consumer health and safety?)

Building a Culture of Civic Engagement in STEM has an editable slide deck covering topics like 'why science needs democracy' and 'how science intersects with voting.'

You may also be interested in these articles:

Why the STEM Vote Matters - MIT
Do STEM Students Vote? - Brown University
Why Don’t STEM Majors Vote as Much as Others? - The Conversation
Civic Engagement in the STEM Classroom - PLOS

Additional Resources

Ask Every Student - Your Major on the Ballot
University of Michigan - Tools for Supporting Civic Engagement
ScienceRising - Building a Culture of Civic Engagement in STEM
MIT - Why the STEM Vote Matters
Brown University - Do STEM Students Vote?
The Conversation - Why Don’t STEM Majors Vote as Much as Others?
PLOS - Civic Engagement in the STEM Classroom
CEEP - Incorporating Election Engagement Into Your Courses

How Your Company Can Support Democracy

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:49:50 GMT

How can your company make a difference for democracy? Check out our strategy framework for approaches, rationales, and specific suggestions.

Strategy Framework

Benefits of Corporate Civic Engagement

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 03:09:23 GMT

Use this resource to understand the "ROI" for corporate civic engagement and make the case for your company's investment in democracy — be it sharing election resources, encouraging participation, offering paid time to work at the polls, or other ways to engage.

What is Corporate Civic Engagement?

Corporate Civic Engagement describes "How a company empowers people to participate in shaping the affairs of their community and nation through the democratic process. These company policies, practices, and communications—whether for employees or external audiences, and whether to encourage education or action—are conducted without regard to political party, platform, candidate, or outcome" ( Civic Alliance ).

You can also think of this concept as "Corporate Civic Responsibility (CCR)" — a dimension of the field of Corporate Social Responsibility: "At the core of CCR is the idea that civic health is vital to our future, just like our natural resources. In the same way that our communities need clean water to thrive, they also need politics to function well and allow them to implement public choices on important issues. So when a business seeks to improve the workings of politics itself, it is helping to preserve a vital public resource. This is civic engagement of the best possible kind. It is not about businesses using their political power to advance corporate interests; it is about businesses working with their employees, customers, and community stakeholders to strengthen our democracy." ( Business For America ).

Why Are More Companies Getting Involved?

Compared to a couple election cycles ago, companies will play a much bigger role in encouraging participation and providing resources to employees and customers.

As just one example, the membership of Time To Vote (an initiative to ensure workers have paid time to vote) grew by 400% since its founding in 2018 and now includes over 2000 companies.

Why are so many companies getting involved in democracy — be it sharing election resources, encouraging participation, offering paid time to work at the polls, or other ways to engage?

Businesses benefit from a stable economy and strong public institutions. 81% of business leaders think that businesses should act to protect democracy and ensure safe and fair elections, according to Morning Consult . The Civic Alliance finds its member companies outperformed their peers on the S&P 500, suggesting positive investor and market response to companies engaging on democracy issues.

It’s well established that Gen Z and Millennials prioritize social impact, and civic participation is no exception. Employees are looking to their employers for resources that help them get involved in their communities – and they want companies to walk the walk with actionable steps, not merely pay lip service. BIPAC’s latest survey finds a rise in demand among younger employees for election information.

Companies realize they can have an outsized impact on voter participation. While trust in institutions like media and government wanes, employers consistently rank highest on trust indexes . Unlike political campaigns, which target the voters most likely to vote for their candidate, companies reach broad audiences of less likely voters – like young people and historically disenfranchised groups. Companies also have built-in channels for communicating with employees, so they can break through the noise with encouragement and information.

Companies are drawing clear connections from democracy to their broader mission. For example, companies that care about sustainability know the impact of environmental policy and leadership on those efforts. Civic participation also positively impacts physical and mental health , making it a no-brainer for healthcare and wellness companies..

Suggested Framing

We've compiled some of the most compelling frames for getting your company involved in democracy. Select the ones that make the most sense for your leadership and broader mission.

Businesses perform better in democratic societies . Because companies do better in stable democracies, supporting democracy is aligned with shareholder profitability.

Businesses need functional institutions and public processes to thrive . Think about the impact of polarization and the gridlock it creates.

Voting and democracy issues directly impact your corporate goals and values. From workforce education to supply chain sustainability to regulations for your industry, it's not hard to see how elected officials and policy decisions shape business outcomes .

Corporate Civic Engagement is a continuation of the decades-long shift toward business as a force for social good . Through frameworks like ESG, companies are improving their bottom line while improving the world around them. Civic engagement is another tool that leaders can use to promote "doing well by doing good."

Civic engagement initiatives create opportunities to build employee relationships and community , which leads to more engaged teams. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize opportunities for impact more than previous generations and are looking for a sense of purpose. When people engage in altruistic activities, they gain a sense of purpose and belonging. This can translate into stronger relationships and trust, which benefits team dynamics and productivity.

Civic engagement is good for mental and physical health . Higher rates of civic participation correlate to healthier stakeholders, including better psychological well-being, physical benefits, and emotional health. For companies that want to demonstrate they care about physical and mental well-being in their communities, investing in civic engagement is a win-win.

Companies gain an edge when their employees understand how government works and participate in community processes. Especially in highly regulated industries, familiarity with civic processes improves productivity and outcomes. With the drastic decline in civics education in the US education system, employers can have an outsized impact. Legislators pay more attention to companies and consider them good corporate citizens when they know their employees are active and knowledgable.

Engaging on Democracy issues also creates a positive brand association for your customers . Consumers have positive impressions of companies that support democracy Global Strategy Group found 81% of Americans are more likely to buy from companies that have encouraged people “to participate in our democracy by providing information about issues in their community and resources to help them register and vote.”

On the other hand, it can now be seen as a business risk to not actively support Democracy because it's misaligned with stakeholder expectations. Survey respondents described companies who took a position on a political or social issue as “trustworthy,” “mission-driven,” and “bold. Companies that never took a position were “out-of-touch,” “selfish,”and “unpatriotic.”

Additional Resources

Research/Reports

Corporate Civic Playbook (Civic Alliance)
Corporate Support for Employee Voting (Trillium Asset Management)
Civic Responsibility: The Power of Companies to Increase Voter Turnout (Harvard Kennedy School)
In Their Own Words: Why Some People Find Voting Difficult (Pew Research Center)
Demand for Employer-Provided Election Information on the Rise (BIPAC)
Civics Inc: How Every Business Can Help Promote a Healthy Democracy (NationSwell)
The Business Case for Civic Education (Harvard Business Review)

Articles/Blogs

A Business Approach to Reinforcing Democracy ( Business for Social Responsibility)
Can Healthy Democracy Support Your Corporate Purpose? (Business For America)
Corporate *Civic* Responsibility: A New Opportunity for Business Leadership (Business For America)
Business Can’t Take Democracy for Granted (Harvard Business Review)
The Latest Benefit Companies Hope Will Attract Top Talent? Civic Engagement Days (Inc)
The Untapped Tool For Growth: Corporate Civic Engagement (Forbes EQ)
Civic Engagement Seems To Be Good For Big Business (The Fulcrum)

How To: Host a Voter Registration Drive

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:09:44 GMT

A voter registration drive is a coordinated effort to help eligible voters get registered to vote at their current address — an important pre-requisite for voting in all but one state (North Dakota). Use this guide to inform your plans to host a specific event for voter registration and to support your community members with navigating the registration process.

When To Host a Drive

While you can register voters at any time during the year, there will be the most momentum in the lead-up to a national election.

For general elections in November, early-to-mid September is your target period.

Why is timing so important? Registration deadlines can fall as early as 30 days out from Election Day. For mailed-in forms, they need time to reach their destination (especially if voters will be mailing them out of state) and they also need time to be processed by election officials

If you're engaging a group that will be mostly registering in the same state, consider hosting your drive 2-3 weeks before that state’s deadline.

You can also plan your drive for National Voter Registration Day , a Civic Holiday to promote and encourage registration nationwide. It's taking place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Materials: What To Bring

1. Easy access to online resources

Display QR codes or SMS shortcode prompts that link to online resources and voter registration portals.

As a Motivote partner, you can direct users to your branded portal or have attendees check their registration status directly on your website with an iframe widget.

If you’re setting up at a table, also have some laptops or tablets handy.

While most people who stop by will have their own smartphones, they may find it easier to go through the online registration process on a larger screen. (In a few states, online portals require a touchscreen to provide a digital signature as part of their online registration process.)

☝️ Tip: Use an incognito browser on shared platforms so user info doesn’t get saved or auto-filled.

2. Printed forms for paper registrations

Since not all voters will be able to register online, it’s helpful to have paper forms ready. All states allow voters to apply to register to vote via a paper form they submit by mail or return in-person.

Whenever possible, voters should use Online Voter Registration (OVR) because it's easier and faster.

But not all eligible voters will be able to register online. Here's why:

In a few states, there is no online registration available at all. As of June 2024, states without OVR: Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
In most of the states that do offer online registration, you need a Driver's License or other State ID number to use the online system. In particular, people who recently moved residences may not have a current State ID Number.

To accomodate voters who can't register to vote online, we suggest printing paper registration forms for the state where your organization is located — plus nearby states.

You can also print some copies of the National Mail Voter Registration Form , which can generally be used for registration in any state, so you have an option for everyone.

(Motivote covers all state-specific registration portal URLs and PDF forms in one place. Voters access the relevant site or form based on their saved address and whether they qualify to register online.)

☝️Tip: When it comes to printed paper forms, the more the merrier! Since lack of access to printers is a major barrier to registering by mail, encourage passersby to take a few blank forms so they can share with others.

3. Freebies for stopping by, not registering

Freebies are a great way to attract people to your table. But keep in mind that it is illegal to offer ‘something of value’ in exchange for registering to vote or voting itself.

You can have giveaways, food or other freebies as part of your drive, but make them available to everyone — not something you get after confirming you registered or "in exchange" for registering.

You can also provide incentives in exchange for opting in to follow-up reminders or signing up for a tool like Motivote. This way, you are rewarding steps like making a voting plan and adding Election Day to the calendar that increase voting readiness, rather than voting itself.

Framing & Messaging

Be neutral and nonpartisan

You want everyone to feel welcomed and encouraged. In any printed communication and conversations with participants, remember that you are helping with the process of voting, not advocating for any specific parties, candidates or issues.

Follow these guidelines to stay nonpartisan:

Don’t encourage someone to register for one party or another
Don’t encourage someone to vote for one candidate or another
Don’t make statements about political parties, candidates, or issues

Start with the easiest ask

Try inviting people to 'check their registration status' as a first prompt, instead of registering to vote. People are more likely to respond to being asked to "check your registration status!"

Why? Registering can feel like a bigger lift, versus just a quick check. Plus, people often forget to update their registration status after moving, so having them check their status is a good way to remind them to change it.

Stay away from "vote-shaming"

Ultimately it's each individuals choice whether to participate in elections. You can encourage that behavior by communicating the impact that voting has on our communities and collective well-being, lending an ear to concerns and hesitations, and providing resources to break down and simplify the process, But if someone is not receptive, don't devolve into shaming or singling out.

Follow-Up and Impact-Tracking

As part of preparation for your voter registration drive, make a plan for how your team will track:

Who registered at your drive
How to follow up with them

Being able to follow up with people from your voter registration drive significantly increases your impact.

Why? Because while registration is an important step, it's also just the first step of voting.

Each election cycle, millions of registered voters don't end up casting a ballot.

For many, the "drop off" is due to reasons like missing a deadline to request or return an absentee ballot, not leaving time in their schedule to go to the polls, or not having transportation.

Sometimes people simply forget.

Follow-up's help voters stay informed about steps to complete after registration. This is especially important if your drive is more than a couple of months before an election.

(Motivote automates email and SMS reminders about upcoming deadlines, so voters can check them off their list before it's too late. Users can also make a voting plan and add to their calendar.)

Being able to measure your impact is important for program evaluation. You'll want to track how many people you reached, registered, and helped vote, which can help you set goals for the future.

Data also helps your team members feel great about the difference they made!

At minimum, track how many people you talk to, how many filled out a registration form, and how many signed up to stay in touch after the drive.

(On Motivote, automatically pull this information for voters who engage with your portal and track impact after your drive.)

Rules & Restrictions

In some states, there are restrictions to voter registration drives, including:

Requiring groups to pre-register and provide information about their activities
Complete training through the state to be able to support with registration efforts
Implementing deadlines which require completed applications to be returned before the general registration deadline

Learn more about state restrictions from the Brennan Center for Justice and Movement Advancement Project's interactive map .

If you’re in one of these states, we recommend getting in touch with your local election office or experienced nonprofit organizations to help you navigate.

Other Considerations

Coordinate with your local elections office. As part of planning your event, get in touch with your local office ahead of time and learn about any requirements or trainings they have. If you will be dropping off completed registration forms, let them know ahead of time as they may have preferences or instructions for you.

Plan for mailing out-of-state forms. If you will plan to mail in forms on behalf of voters in other states, plan ahead for needs like envelopes and stamps — and build in time to put them in the ma il. Have voters address the envelopes as part of their registration process. (Working with younger voters? Create a visual for how to stamp and address an envelope! It's an unfamiliar process for many digital natives.)

Be conscious of rules & restrictions. If you're in a state with drive restrictions (see above) you can still share information and direct votes to relevant resources, but consider external partnerships for registration drives to ensure you're in compliance.

Additional Resources

National Mail Voter Registration Form (PDF) - and in 21 other languages
Voter Registration Drive Guides Fair Elections Center
How to Create Successful National Voter Registration Day Events at Colleges & Universities Campus Takeover
Stony Brook University Institutionalized Voter Registration at New Student Orientation - Stony Brook University
Planning a Voter Registration Drive - League of Women Voters
How to Host a Voter Registration Drive - Civic Alliance
State Restrictions on Voter Registration Drives - Brennan Center for Justice
Restrictions on 3rd Party Voter Registration Drives (interactive map) - Movement Advancement Project
State Voter Registration Drives - Nonprofit VOTE and Fair Elections Center

Voter Registration 101

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:06:50 GMT

This FAQ-style guide covers the basics of voter registration, including what it means to be registered, timelines and options for getting registered, and guidance for college students.

Staying Neutral & Nonpartisan

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 20:14:29 GMT

Keep your voter engagement initiative welcoming and inclusive with a nonpartisan approach. Nonpartisan programs help people learn about elections and navigate the voting process. They don't support or oppose political candidates or parties.

When you position encouraging voting as part of a broader goal of encouraging civic engagement, your focus becomes about a social good rather than about particular parties or candidates. Voting is just one way that people can engage civically.

What Does It Mean To Be Non-Partisan?

Focus on the WHAT, WHEN, HOW and WHY of voting, but stay away from the WHO.

That is, help potential voters understand the importance of elections and help them with logistics, but do not discuss who to vote for.

You can (and should!) encourage voters to get informed about the candidates and measures on their ballot by recommending nonpartisan resources. But to remain nonpartisan, you should not make statements about who they should vote for.

To ensure your initiative is non-partisan, follow these guidelines:

Don’t encourage someone to register for one party or another
Don’t encourage someone to vote for one candidate or another
Don’t make statements about political parties, candidates, or issues

Types of Nonpartisan Activities

These types of activities are generally permissible in a nonpartisan initiative (not comprehensive):

Conduct a voter registration drive in your community
Remind people of upcoming elections and relevant deadlines and dates
Encourage people to register and vote in your communications or events
Provide information on when and where to vote - such as finding poll locations, getting absentee ballots or contacting election offices
Sponsor a candidate forum with other community partners for all candidates, and encourage your community to attend such forums
Display or provide an official sample ballot or distribute a nonpartisan voter guide from a trusted partner about what is on the ballot

Additional Resources

Civic Engagement - The Policy Circle
Civic Engagement Primer - PACE
Nonpartisan Messaging Tips - Students Learn Students Vote
Voting Access isn't Partisan Messaging Guide - Students Learn Students Vote
How to Stand Up to Partisan Attacks on Democracy While Remaining Nonpartisan (Webinar Recording) - Students Learn Students Vote
Official Communications With Voters Checklist - Ideas 42
Staying Nonpartisan: Permissible Election Activities Checklist - Nonprofit Vote

motivote

Common Ballot Mistakes

"Tricky" Absentee Rules

Where To Register as a College Student

As a college student, you can vote at your campus or home address — it's up to you! This article contains prompts guide your decision and an overview of relevant rules.

Overview

Making Your Choice

�� Residency Requirements

�� Voter ID Requirements

✈️ Physical Location

Other Considerations

��️ Registering at a Campus Address

�� Changing Your Registration Address

�� Voting While Studying Abroad

Additional Resources

Vote By Mail 101

Thanks to the National Vote At Home Institute for providing this FAQ!

Integrating Voting Into Academics

The 'Why'

Making The Case

Guiding Questions & Suggestions

STEM-Specific Resources

Additional Resources

How Your Company Can Support Democracy

How can your company make a difference for democracy? Check out our strategy framework for approaches, rationales, and specific suggestions.

Strategy Framework ﻿

Benefits of Corporate Civic Engagement

What is Corporate Civic Engagement?

Why Are More Companies Getting Involved?

Suggested Framing

Additional Resources

How To: Host a Voter Registration Drive

When To Host a Drive

Materials: What To Bring

1. Easy access to online resources

2. Printed forms for paper registrations

3. Freebies for stopping by, not registering

Framing & Messaging

Be neutral and nonpartisan

Start with the easiest ask

Stay away from "vote-shaming"

Follow-Up and Impact-Tracking

Rules & Restrictions

Other Considerations

Additional Resources

Voter Registration 101

Staying Neutral & Nonpartisan

Keep your voter engagement initiative welcoming and inclusive with a nonpartisan approach. Nonpartisan programs help people learn about elections and navigate the voting process. They don't support or oppose political candidates or parties.

What Does It Mean To Be Non-Partisan?

Types of Nonpartisan Activities

Additional Resources

Strategy Framework