Get Out the Vote Tools for 2013

Currently, 44 states have voter registration lookup tools and 48 have polling place finders. Wouldn't it be great if this (and other) election information was available in one place? You're in luck, it is! Visit our 50 state map to:

• Find Your Poll
• Check Your Voter Registration
• Learn About Voter ID Requirements

You can also access other state-specific voting resources, including contact information for your local elections office, details for voters with special circumstances, and early voting opportunities.

November 5th is less than a month away. Although they may be registered, voters still need to know where to go and what to take with them. Help your community vote by being prepared to answer these and other questions. You can also help registered voters request an absentee ballot.

In many states it's not too late to register! Although National Voter Registration Month is over, many state registration deadlines have not yet passed. Depending on where you live, you might be able to register online or on Election Day itself. Learn more about voting in your state and ensure your community is prepared for the 2013 election cycle.

Four Reasons to Get Involved in Local Elections

Although local elections lack the prominence of presidential races, they are a great platform for nonprofits to begin or to expand their voter engagement efforts. Participation tends to be lower in local races because many voters don't understand the offices, know who the candidates are, or because there is less campaigning. Your nonprofit can fill this void and raise participation rates by focusing on voter education. Here are four reasons to get involved with a local election this year:

1. Knowledge and Power for Your Community. Comprehensive voter education can build both knowledge among and power for your constituents. Empowering your community in local elections can encourage other civic habits in addition to benefiting your organization. 
2. Fewer Voters and Greater Impact. Because fewer voters cast ballots in local elections, your potential to impact the election is enormous. Registering and turning out even a small number of voters can dramatically change the landscape of an election. 
3. Greater Access to Candidates. It's easier in local elections to connect with candidates. It's also a great way to raise the profile of your organization. You can forge relationships that benefit your community now, and that also have the potential to pay off as local candidates are elected to higher office. 
4. The Results Matter. Local races may not be as popular as presidential races, but they nevertheless impact policy, zoning, spending decisions, school organization, and much more. 

The U.S. Conference of Mayors has released its list of 2013 mayoral races. If there is an election in your community this year, don't sit it out. There is an enormous need to increase voter participation in local elections and no matter what your organization does, you can positively impact your community.

Your Election Day Toolbox

Be prepared to assist and encourage voters on Tuesday. Voters are more likely to participate if they believe turnout will be high, and your reminders can convince people to head to the polls.

Advertise polling hours prominently on your website and in your lobby. Find yours with our 50 state map and download a "Vote November 6th" poster.

Use the tools below to equip voters with the information necessary to ensure they successfully cast a ballot.

Google Poll Finder
The 2012 Google Poll Finder tool uses official information from state elections offices and Secretaries of State to provide voters with current voting information. Type in your address to find your polling place and directions. Use the Ballot Summary Menu Bar to view candidates for president, Congress, and the state legislature.

• Embed the tool on your website to raise the profile of the election.
• Share the link with your audience.
• Set up a computer in your lobby to allow voters to check their voting information.

You can also use your state's online poll finder or contact your local elections office.

Check Your Registration
Wondering if and where you're registered to vote?

• 45 states have online registration look up tools.
• Contact your local elections office to confirm your registration.

Avoid potential problems at the polls and double check your registration before Election Day.

National Hotlines
If you aren't near a computer and need voting information, call a national hotline for assistance. They are also a great resource if you have trouble casting your ballot.

• Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683) or visit www.866ourvote.org.
• Call 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (839-8682) or visit www.yaeshora.info.

Contact your local elections office for help or with questions.

Voter Guides and Sample Ballots
Nonpartisan voter guides are often provided by your Secretary of State, local chapters of the League of Women Voters, major newspapers, or voter education partners. Samples: Minnesota Votes, North Carolina Voter Guide, and California Easy Voter Guide.

You can see a list of candidates on your ballot using the Google Poll Finder tool. Sample ballots are often available on your state elections website or accessible through online voter information portals. Examples include New Mexico, Miami-Dade County, and Alabama. Paper copies are usually available at your local elections office.

And for more!

• Browse additional 2012 election tools and resources.
• Learn more about ballot measures and voting as an ex-offender or student.
• Make voters aware of their rights at the polls in your state.
• On the go? Get the VoterHub mobile app--a collaboration between AT&T and the Voting Information Project.

On Election Day, don't hesitate to call your local elections office with questions or concerns. Find yours.

Google Polling Place Finder: Now Live!

Find your polling place! November 6th is just a week away--get the tools you need for a successful Election Day. Whether you're helping people find their polling place or looking for last minute get-out-the-vote resources, ensure you're prepared for Election Day!

Google Poll Finder
The 2012 Google Poll Finder tool is now live! It uses official information from state elections offices and Secretaries of State to provide voters with current voting information. Type in your address to find your polling place and directions. Use the Ballot Summary Menu Bar on the right to view your candidate choices for president, Congress, and state legislatures.

• Embed the tool on your website to raise the profile of the election.
• Share the link with your audience.
• Set up a computer in your lobby on Election Day to allow voters to check their voting information.

Early Voting Opportunities
Early voting was suspended in Maryland and the District of Columbia on Monday due to Hurricane Sandy. Most polling places are expected to be up and running on Election Day, but there could be residual issues as a result of the storm. In Virginia, the board of elections has decided to allow people to cite Hurricane Sandy as a reason they need to vote early. Help your community vote early with:

• Nonprofit VOTE's 50 state map.
• Long Distance Voter's guide to early voting.

Browse additional 2012 election tools and resources and make voters aware of their rights at the polls.

Get Your 2012 Web Badge!

Want to promote the 2012 election without completely redesigning your website? Add our new badge to your site!

It's an easy way to share information about the upcoming election and to show that your nonprofit supports voter participation. We have designs for all 50 states that direct visitors to state-specific registration deadlines and requirements, early voting options, and more.

The badge is versatile and can complement your newsletter, website, or blog! Use it to increase visibility around the election, familiarize other nonprofits with voter engagement, and to more fully engage your community.

Grab the code today and use your site to transform visitors into voters!

County Elections Websites Need Improvement

In an average year, there are over 5,000 local ballot measures on ballots across the country

However, Ballotpedia recently reviewed 738 county election websites and found that as many as 32% don't display information on local ballot measures. The study reviewed 738 county election websites in 11 states--about 24% of the nation's 3,143 counties.

Accessible and informative elections websites are vital to educating voters and maintaining an accountable electoral system. This is particularly true at the county level, because counties typically administer elections for a variety of jurisdictions—including school districts, cities, towns, villages, park and recreation districts, and other special districts, as well as the county itself. The study found:

• The State of Washington consistently had the best information, while Missouri consistently had the worst.
• The county with the longest archival history was Benton County in Oregon, with election information dating back to 1852.
• Of the 738 counties checked, only 505 (68%) had election information available on their local websites.

See a detailed breakdown of how each state and each county was evaluated. Does your county have an elections website and, if so, how does it perform?

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Partner Spotlight: NASS

Since 2010, Nonprofit VOTE has been an official voter participation partner of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). NASS is the nation's oldest nonpartisan professional organization for public officials and serves as a medium for the exchange of information between states and fosters cooperation in the development of public policy--including elections and voting initiatives. In the past we've worked with NASS to help them maintain their Can I Vote? website. Learn more about your state elections officials and voting in your state!

Yesterday's Webinar Materials

Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday's webinar, Plan Ahead: Building a Voter Engagement Timeline for 2012! If you have additional questions for our featured presenter, Jeff Narabrook of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, you can contact him directly at jnarabrook@minnesotanonprofits.org.

The webinar is now available on YouTube along with our other past webinars. Subscribe to the channel and you'll be informed whenever new content is available! You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and the audio portion of the presentation.

Below are some of the materials and resources mentioned during the webinar:

• Information about voting in your state. 
• Information about voter registration in your state. 
• Project Vote's state voter registration guides for select states. 

You can also visit our website to find other voter engagement resources and materials. Good luck with making your 2012 plan!

November 2011 Election Resources

Many voters will be heading to the polls on Tuesday. Make sure you're prepared for Election Day and know where you're voting, what's on the ballot, and where to turn if you have questions. Remember that you may be able to cast your ballot early either in-person or by mail, depending on where you live. Remind your friends and family to vote, and remember Election Day should be fun!

• Find your polling location using our Voting in Your State online guide.
• Protect your right to vote. If you have problems voting on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683) or Ve y vota at 888-VE-Y-VOTA (839-8682).
• Locate other election information and voter engagement resources on our website.

Happy voting!

November 2011 Election Roundup

Yesterday was Election Day in Colorado, although voters in most states and municipalities will not be heading to the polls until next Tuesday, November 8. However, Colorado is not the first state to kick off election season a little early.

Gubernatorial and State Legislative Elections
Louisiana has already (re)elected Governor Bobby Jindal in a nonpartisan blanket primary on October 22, but voters will return to the polls on November 19 to elect new state legislators. Like Louisiana, Mississippi holds elections for both its governor and state legislature in odd numbered years. Kentucky voters will also elect their governor, while New Jersey and Virginia are holding state legislative elections.

Ballot Measures
Nine states have statewide ballot measures this year. Texas tops the group with a total of 10 measures. Louisiana voters already decided the outcome of five ballot measures during their October election, but will have to vote on a final constitutional amendment later this month. Yesterday, Colorado voters rejected a proposed increase to the state income and sales tax.

In Mississippi there are three controversial ballot measures dealing with abortion, voter ID, and eminent domain. And as we've mentioned before, there is a veto referendum in Maine that could restore Election Day Registration, as well as one in Ohio that could repeal SB 5--legislation signed in March that would limit collective bargaining for the state's public employees. Learn more about the 2011 ballot measures on Ballotpedia.

Mayoral Races
Many cities will be holding mayoral elections next week. Don't know if yours is one of them? Find out by visiting the U.S. Conference of Mayors' election center.

October Webinar Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined last Thursday's webinar, States Move to Restrict Voting: How Nonprofits Can Protect the Right to Vote. And a special thanks to Megan Donovan and Ellis Jacobs for sharing their expertise with us.

The presentation and associated materials are now available: Watch the presentation online (with audio) or download the PowerPoint and audio file. If you have additional questions about voter suppression and voting rights, please feel free to contact our presenters:

Megan Donovan
Staff Attorney, Fair Elections Legal Network
mdonovan@fairelectionsnetwork.com

Ellis Jacobs
Senior Attorney, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality
ejacobs@ablelaw.org

FELN creates regular Voter Suppression Updates, which are posted on their blog along with other news and updates. We also mentioned these two reports from the Brennan Center for Justice:

• Citizens without Proof: A Survey of Americans' Possession of Documentary Proof of Citizenship and Photo Identification
• The Cost of Voter ID Laws: What the Courts Say, which contains a section on what states need to do to educate voters

Voter Beware!

Halloween's approach means that the polls will soon be open—and in some states already are.

While young trick-or-treaters are dreaming about candy, scary stories, and haunted houses, their parents are contemplating more practical matters. Do you know our home phone number? Who will you be out with? What’s your trick-or-treating route? Safe Halloween practices are a lot like good election practices.

You don't take—or at least don't eat—unwrapped candy from strangers, and you don't wander off on your own. In the same vein, voters must be wary of efforts to spread misinformation, such as suspicious phone calls and fake websites.

Recent events have elections administrators reminding voters to get information from official sources, like Nonprofit VOTE's resources on registering and voting in your state that link directly to official state election sites. Get information straight from the source and protect yourself this election season. And remember, if you have any questions or doubts, just give your local elections office a call.

As with all holiday preparations, these practices shouldn't put a damper on the celebratory mood. There's no reason to expect anything but a frightfully good time, but just the same, you should be prepared. Happy voting!

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The Top 5 State Voter Information Websites

Earlier this week we talked about what states are (or aren't) doing to make voting information more accessible online. To that end, we have reviewed each state's voter information site and picked our favorites based on clarity, accessibility, and comprehensiveness.

The best sites let users register online, check their registration status, look up their polling place, see a sample ballot, and track their absentee ballot--all in one place! While very few have yet to offer all of these capabilities, a number of states have recently ramped up their online accessibility efforts. We're excited to see more states offering voting tools in a single, easy-to-use portal and encourage the rest to follow suit!

And now, without further ado, Nonprofit VOTE is pleased to present our Top 5 State Voter Information Websites:

1. Utah very recently came out with a fantastic new site (a welcome change from its confusing, limited predecessor). The site now features both personalized voter information and online registration.
2. Louisiana's site offers a single log-in platform with the ability to look up your registration status, find your polling place, track your absentee ballot, and find local election information. Voters in Louisiana can also register to vote online.
3. Pennsylvania provides all the basic voter information tools, but also includes an additional tool for people with specific voting needs--like college students and persons with disabilities.
4. Missouri's well-designed site provides individualized voter information as well as multimedia resources, like instructional videos on how to register to vote.
5. Texas provides comprehensive voter information, as well as specific information about upcoming elections.
   

Have you been to your state's site? Let us know what you think and how it compares!

This post was researched and written by Nonprofit VOTE's Spring 2011 intern, Hattie Huston.


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State Voter Information Pages: The Good, the Bad and the Outdated

We recently took stock of each state's official voter information page in an effort to find out what states are doing to increase voter participation. While every state site offers some information to voters, there are huge disparities in the content and quality of that information. Some sites offer conveniences like online voter registration and the ability to track your absentee ballot, while others have no online tools whatsoever.

Many states have created a voter information site independent of the official state government page. Sites like AlabamaVotes.gov, VoteNaturally.org (Arkansas), VoteKS.org, GeauxVote.com (Louisiana), Vote Missouri, VotesPA.com, SCvotes.org, VoTexas.org, and Vote.Utah.gov provide user-friendly information, including tools to check personal voting information. These dedicated voter information sites help increase accessibility, and allow voters to track important information throughout the voting process. For example, a voter in Utah can register to vote, check their registration, find their polling place, learn about upcoming elections, and request and track their absentee ballot--everything but cast an actual vote--through the state's voter portal.

A growing number of states also offer online voter registration, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Having the option to register online is particularly crucial for an increasingly mobile and technology-dependent generation.

Unfortunately a few states are still struggling to integrate recent technology into their websites. For example, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, and Wyoming don't offer a portal for personalized voter information (like a voter registration search or polling place look-up tool). This is problematic because many voters depend on state websites, often because of the challenges they have in contacting their local election official simply to check their registration status or find their polling place. Making this personalized information available online increases transparency and can boost voter turnout. And best of all, voters can avoid unnecessary problems at the polls by finding out if there is an issue with their registration prior to Election Day.

Learn more about registering to vote and stay tuned as we share our Top 5 State Voter Information Websites later this week!

This post was researched and written by Nonprofit VOTE's Spring 2011 intern, Hattie Huston.

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Google Launches Election Website

Google Inc has launched a 2008 election website and three new applications that Google argues will help voters get political information online.
"We will be helping voters find information online and helping the parties themselves to connect with voters and draw them in," said Bob Boorstin, director of corporate and policy communications at Google.
The new Google 2008 election Web site features a new YouTube elections video search that asks "What did the candidates say?" which allows users to put in search terms such as "national security" and find exactly where in speeches the candidates said the words, and the "PowerReaders" application, which aggregates political news stories on the web that candidates and a select handful of political reporters are reading.
Visit the site.