2011 Webinar Rewind

In 2011 we hosted an array of expert presenters on a variety of voter engagement and participation topics. Before we announce our 2012 webinar series schedule, we wanted to review some of last year's top webinars:

• We shared groundbreaking new research from the 2010 election that documented the impact nonprofits have when they talk to their clients and constituents about voting.
• MassVOTE's Co-Director, Cheryl Crawford, joined us to discuss techniques for organizing an effective candidate forum, how to stay nonpartisan throughout the process, and tools to help every step of the way. 
• Abby Levine from the Alliance for Justice and Ben Dudley from Engage Maine talked about how nonprofits can take a stand on ballot measures. 
• We reviewed the unprecedented nationwide effort to pass legislation that creates voter registration barriers and limits access to the polls. Megan Donovan from the Fair Elections Legal Network talked about how nonprofits can help defend their clients' right to vote. 
• We asked nonprofits to start thinking about their 2012 voter engagement plan, including when, where, and how to incorporate activities into their ongoing work. Don't worry if you missed it, we're doing an encore this month!

Our full webinar library is available on our YouTube channel. Subscribe today and you'll be notified whenever we post new content. We'll be announcing our full 2012 webinar lineup soon, so stay tuned!

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Holiday Tips from Nonprofit VOTE

With the holidays upon us, only a handful of people are giving the 2012 election much thought, and chances are they have a January primary. Although many people are preoccupied with carols, ice skating, hot cocoa, and vacation, there are still plenty of opportunities to sneak voter registration into the fun (without any extra effort)!

Wondering how? It's simple: just give the gift that keeps on giving--the gift of registration. We have suggestions for wherever the holidays may take you:

• At your staff party set voter registration forms next to the refreshments. Voting is guaranteed to get everyone in the mood to celebrate!
• Have plans to go caroling? Take voter registration cards with you and pass them out after the performance.
• Invited to a party or dropping off cookies for the neighbors? Attach a voter registration card and throw a bow on top.
• Hosting something at your place with people from different states? Don't worry! Use the national voter registration form and cover all your bases.

If you live in a state that allows online registration, bring along your iPad or Kindle Fire and spread holiday cheer without any paperwork! Don't forget that a voter registration card makes a great stocking stuffer, because really, what's better than being registered to vote? Learn more about voter registration in your state.

Do you have any strategies for talking up voter registration around the holidays?

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Voter ID Passes in Mississippi

On Tuesday, Mississippi voters passed a constitutional amendment that requires voters to show government issued photo identification in order to vote. The initiative includes provisions for free photo IDs, but as with all photo ID laws, the impact on voters will depend on implementation. Although many of the states that passed voter ID laws this year offer free IDs, voters still face hurdles in acquiring proper ID.

Last month, a 91-year-old Tennessee woman couldn't get a photo ID because she was physically unable to stand in a long line. A South Carolina man does not have an official birth certificate (he was born at home in 1926) and was therefore denied a free state ID. It would cost $150 for him to get the underlying documents necessary to secure a "free" ID. In Wisconsin, Department of Transportation employees are not allowed to tell residents about the free photo ID for voting, unless the individual specifically asks.

However, not all states make voter ID overly burdensome. For example, in Michigan, voters who show up without photo ID can still vote a regular ballot if they sign an affidavit. State-by-state variations in voter ID laws make it impossible to determine how the amendment will affect voters in Mississippi, and if they will be able to get proper ID in time to vote.

Your nonprofit can ensure that no one misses the opportunity to vote because of ID requirements--help your clients and constituents learn more about voter ID in your state.

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Voting Rights Victory in Maine

We'll have a more complete summary of 2011 election results later, but we just couldn't wait to share Maine's victory! Yesterday, Maine voters decided to restore Election Day Registration (EDR)--leaving an almost 40 year tradition unbroken. Sixty percent of voters supported EDR, and have made it possible for future voters to register and cast their ballots on Election Day.

We're pleased to celebrate this voting rights victory and want to congratulate the organizations and volunteers that were able to put the issue before voters in just a few short months.

For more on other 2011 ballot measure results, visit Ballotpedia.

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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.

Preparing for Municipal Elections

After our webinar last week on municipal and local elections, we wanted to follow up and make sure your nonprofit was excited and prepared for this fall. If your community is having a municipal election this year there are plenty of ways to get involved and get out the vote.

Want to host a candidate forum? We have a guide for that. Candidate forums are a great way for your community to question candidates directly, particularly because local elections are more intimate than statewide or national races. (And many candidates see local office as a gateway to higher office, so building relationships now can pay off down the road!) Want to register voters? We have a poster for that (in Spanish and English).

Here are other suggestions for generating enthusiasm around local elections:

1. Increase visibility. Turn up the volume by including voting reminders in all of your communications. Put up posters or other signage to raise awareness of the upcoming election.
2. Ensure staff and volunteers are equipped to answer basic questions about the election. They should know when polls open and close, how to help someone locate their polling site, and have contact information for your local election office available. 
3. Make personal contact. Reach out to voters by integrating face-to-face conversations about the election into your services and meetings. Make frequent announcements and ask individuals if they are planning to vote, or if they have already voted. Personal reminders are an effective get-out-the-vote tactic, particularly on Election Day.
4. Post a sample ballot or nonpartisan voter guide. Many voters, whether new or experienced, still have questions about voting, and they're more likely to vote if they know what their choices are. You can help by making sample ballots available at your organization. 

Visit our website for other resources and ideas to help your nonprofit work on local elections. If you have questions about an upcoming election, contact your local election office for information. In the meantime, tell us what strategies your nonprofit uses to get voters involved in local elections!

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