Why register to vote?
Our democracy sits on the foundation of a government by the people, for the people. As active citizens, it’s our duty to make sure that all eligible voters are able to participate in elections, referendums, and primaries at every level — state, local, and national. Our elections should reflect the voices of everyone in our community.
Tomorrow, September 24, 2019, is National Voter Registration Day. National Voter Registration Day, the fourth Tuesday of September, aims to make sure that everyone can exercise their right to vote.
In the 2016 national election, about 25% of eligible voters were unregistered, and these numbers are even higher for underrepresented communities. Voters may be unable to vote if their registrations are outdated or if they miss the deadline to register (particularly given that only twenty-one states offer same-day voter registration).
This year, between the House, the Senate, and governor races nationwide, our votes will decide over 500 officials.
Here are some steps you can take to empower democracy this #NationalVoterRegistrationDay:
- Register to vote! There are many tools that can help you register to vote. The National Voter Registration Day website will help you to register in less than two minutes by filling out a simple form. They also provide official voting information pulled from your state’s elections website. You can also register to vote and check on your registration status through the United States government website. Lastly, TurboVote is an online service that provides text and email reminders with important election information, key dates, and deadlines.
- Already registered? Make it trend. Let us know that you registered to vote on social media by using the hashtag #NationalVoterRegistrationDay. Go ahead and tag us in your posts and share this piece!
- Ask a friend to join you. Check in with the important people in your life and ask them if they have registered to vote. Help a friend or relative make sure their registration is up-to-date. Don’t be afraid to cross party lines. Remember: the more people who are able to vote, the closer we get to a government by the people, for the people.
- Engage with volunteer efforts for registering voters — and with other opportunities in your community. Civic engagement in every form is critical to a healthy democracy. Check GivePulse for local voter registration opportunities and other ways to get engaged!
Share this article and information about National Voter Registration Day, Democracy Works, and other groups working to ensure our democracy represents all voices. And schedule a call with our team to discuss how GivePulse can support your civic engagement efforts.