Record Turnout in Massachusetts in 2012

On November 6th Massachusetts voters set a turnout record with 3,184,196 people casting ballots--breaking the previous record set in 2008 of 3,102,995. In total, 73.3% of registered voters made it to the polls.

Congrats to MassVOTE and the countless nonprofits who worked to encourage turnout in their communities this year!

Election Improvements Still Needed

Communities frequently served by nonprofits made impressive gains in the electorate this year. However, there are still a number of electoral improvements that can be made.

Shorter Lines, More Early In-Person Voting
A curtailed in-person early voting period in Florida led to 7 hour lines, discouraged voters, and an overwhelmed system. On Election Day, voters in Miami-Dade County waited in line until 1am to cast a ballot. In Ohio, the periods for casting a ballot early in-person and by mail were reduced. Early in-person voting the weekend before Election Day was initially eliminated but later restored through the courts due to the estimated 100,000 Ohioans expected to cast ballots in the three days before November 6th. Snaking lines of early voters were captured across the state.

Although long lines can be the result of a lengthy ballot, expanding--rather than eliminating--early voting opportunities can reduce wait times, offer voters increased flexibility, and ease the strain on election offices.

Improved Voter Registration 
All eligible voters should have the opportunity to cast a ballot that will be counted. Unfortunately, voters across the country arrived at the polls only to discover that their name was not on the rolls. The first step in fixing this is to ensure that voters can register easily. Many states have implemented online voter registration, streamlining the registration process. California's online registration system went live for the first time in September and over one million Californians used it to register in the course of five weeks. 49% of new registrants were between the ages of 18 and 29.

Additionally, online platforms that allow voters to verify their registration status can reduce problems at the polls. Not every state has this kind of tool, and currently in Massachusetts when voters need to confirm their registration status on Election Day they have to call their city hall, leading to long hold times and inefficient processing.

Fixing Problems on Election Day
Beyond improvements to advanced registration, Election Day Registration (EDR) allows voters to update or correct their voter registration information at their polling site on Election Day. EDR ensures that recent moves or name changes do not impact a voter's ability to participate. This kind of flexibility makes it easier to participate and states that have Election Day Registration consistently lead the nation in voter turnout.

While 2012 was a great indicator of rising turnout, there are still improvements to be made. All eligible voters who want to participate should be able to make their voices heard at the polls--without waiting 7 hours.

Nonprofit Voters Increase Share of the Electorate

In 2012, your organization and the entire nonprofit sector helped encourage communities across the country to participate and vote. Clearly your efforts to register, educate, and engage voters paid off.

This year, lower-income, younger, and more diverse communities frequently served by nonprofits accounted for a greater share of voter turnout than ever before. While some of this can be attributed to population increases, it was also aided by unprecedented voter education and engagement efforts from the nonprofit and civic sector.

• Young voters (under 30) defied predictions by claiming a higher share of total turnout in 2012 (19%) than in 2008 (18%).
• The Latino share of the electorate continued to rise, increasing to 10% this year.
• Black voters maintained their share of the electorate from 2008, holding at 13%.
• Voters with family income below $50,000 increased their share of the electorate, jumping three points to 41%, despite the fact that the population of that bracket has remained unchanged from 2008.

Read the full report for additional details on the changing electorate, early voting, participation trends, and more. Congratulations again on successfully promoting voting and engaged and active citizenship in 2012!

It's Tuesday November 6th: Election Day!

Election Day is finally here. You already have the information and resources you need to help your community vote. Today is about celebrating the election and reminding and encouraging people to vote. Good luck and Happy Election Day!

Are You Ready for Tomorrow?

Tomorrow is Election Day! In areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, there may be changes to official polling locations that are not reflected in online tools. Be sure to check with your local elections office for updates to polling sites.

 

If you need a little push before heading to the polls, watch JFK ask every American to turn out and vote and a fourth grade class implore you to "vote for somebody".

 

As the results unfold, find out about turnout with the CNN National Exit Poll (click the Exit Poll tab), CIRCLE - Civic Youth, and Pew Hispanic. Learn more about the national exit poll.  

 Be Prepared with Your Election Day Toolbox!

 

Advertise polling hours prominently on your website and in your lobby. Find yours with our 50 state map. It's not too late to 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. In areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, be sure to check directly with your local elections office for any updates to polling locations--these will likely not be reflected in online tools.

• 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.

 

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. 

Happy Election Day Eve from Nonprofit VOTE!

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 Ready for Election Day!

Materials from yesterday's webinar, Get Ready for Election Day, are now available. With a week and a half to go until Election Day, there are still many things your nonprofit can do to encourage voters to participate in 2012!

Watch the full webinar on YouTube. If you subscribe to our channel, you'll be notified whenever new content is posted. You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and the audio portion of the presentation, or browse all of our get-out-the-vote resources.

Talking about the election with your clients and community can boost turnout. Encourage voters to take advantage of early voting opportunities and use ballot measures to talk about the issues at stake. Don't forget to start making plans for celebrating Election Day at your nonprofit!

Celebrate Election Day at Your Nonprofit

Get the party started! Voting is contagious. Your organization can help boost turnout by creating a celebratory atmosphere on Election Day: people are more likely to vote if it seems popular or exciting or if their peers are doing it. This kind of vibrant environment is key to generating enthusiasm--it will not only encourage voters to head to the polls, but will also engage those who have already cast a ballot, utilizing them as election ambassadors.

Plan your Election Day celebration by:

1. Starting today: Recruit another staff member to help you plan your Election Day celebration. Get support from your Executive Director.
2. Preparing: Have information available on finding polling locations or getting a ride to the polls.
3. Decorating: Go red, white, and blue! Use streamers, balloons, and posters to create a festive atmosphere. 
4. Having Giveaways: Add giveaways to the celebration, like stickers that say "I Voted" or "I'm Voting Today". Distribute voter information cards on Your Rights at the Polls.
5. Providing Food: Secure a food donation to fuel your celebration. Or try your hand at making Election Cake. Be sure to share with everyone--distribution cannot be contingent on whether or not an individual votes.

Your nonprofit can also celebrate Election Day by encouraging volunteers and staff to get out the vote or serve as poll monitors. Ask every volunteer to help one person vote on Election Day.

Don't forget to give staff time off to vote or to participate in other nonpartisan activities. Consider allowing staff use personal time to work for the candidate of their choice. Whatever you decide to do on Election Day, just be sure to make it a celebration!

Webinar Tomorrow: Get Ready for Election Day

There are less than two weeks until November 6th, but there's still plenty your organization can do to educate voters and get-out-the-vote!

Get Ready for Election Day
Thursday October 25th, 2:00-3:00pm Eastern

The final days before Election Day and Election Day itself are crucial to your voter engagement efforts. Find out how your nonprofit can prepare for this final push. Our discussion will focus on get-out-the-vote efforts and how to ensure that eligible voters are able to successfully cast a ballot.

Featured Presenter: Avi Green is Co-Director of MassVOTE and an experienced community organizer. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Ballot Measures: What Nonprofits Can Do

On November 6th voters will decide the fate of 176 ballot measures in 38 states. They cover a range of issues including taxes and revenue, immigrant rights, public services, criminal justice, voter ID requirements, and same-sex marriage.

While nonprofits cannot endorse or oppose candidates for office, they can engage their communities around ballot measures. Remember, ballot measures are laws, not candidates and activity for or against a ballot measure is considered lobbying not electioneering. Therefore, you can:

1. Take a stand on a ballot measure and encourage a "yes" or "no" vote.
2. Provide neutral information on a ballot measure explaining what a "yes" or "no" vote means as a nonpartisan education activity.

Browse our ballot measure resources--like our Nonprofits and Ballot Measures factsheet and training video featuring the Alliance for Justice--to learn more about working on ballot measures.

Check out Bolder Advocacy's Ballot Measure Toolkit for nonprofits and foundations and see a complete list of 2012 ballot questions provided by Ballotpedia.

Voters need a reason to go to the polls, and you can give them one by talking about the ballot measures under consideration. Encourage voters to turnout by reminding them that they can have a direct impact on these issues simply by voting. Find out what's on your ballot by contacting your local elections office for a sample ballot.

Need other ideas? Download 10 Things to Do Between Now and Election Day.

Promote Early Voting Now!

Don't wait until November 6th, vote early! The election is underway and your organization can encourage voters to participate now by voting early. Early voting is available in many states, but dates and requirements vary. Voting early in-person or by mail gives voters increased flexibility and the chance to address any problems that may arise at the polls ahead of Election Day.  Nationwide, early voting has become increasingly popular: In 2008 about 33% of votes were cast before Election Day and in 2012 that number could top 40%. Avoid potential lines on November 6th and encourage your community to give the convenience of voting early a try!

Promote Early Voting by:

1. Arranging to transport groups of voters to early voting sites.
2. Distributing absentee ballot request forms.
3. Providing details in your online and in-person communications.
4. Communicating with staff in meetings and all-staff emails.
5. Discussing it during classes, trainings, and events.

Early Voting Tools:

1. Use our 50 state map to contact your local elections office for deadlines and details on how to vote early.
2. Check your state's early voting rules, compiled by Long Distance Voter.
3. Request an absentee ballot using the U.S. Vote Foundation's state-specific tool.

Encourage your community to get a head start on Election Day by voting early!

Upcoming Webinar: Get Ready for Election Day

November 6th is almost here, but there's still plenty your organization can do before then!

Get Ready for Election Day
Thursday October 25th, 2:00-3:00pm Eastern

The final days before Election Day and Election Day itself are crucial to your voter engagement efforts. Find out how your nonprofit can prepare for this final push. Our discussion will focus on get-out-the-vote efforts and how to ensure that eligible voters are able to successfully cast a ballot.

Featured Presenter: Avi Green is Co-Director of MassVOTE and an experienced community organizer. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

"Nonprofits Get Out the Vote!" Event Recap

Materials from last week's web event, Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day, are now available. Hundreds of nonprofits from across the county participated, demonstrating the growing momentum and support within the sector for nonpartisan voter engagement

Couldn't tune in? Watch the event on YouTube. If you subscribe to our channel, you'll be notified whenever new content is posted. You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and the audio portion of the presentation, or browse all of our get-out-the-vote resources.

Now that your organization is on board and excited about nonprofit voter engagement, register for our final webinar before November 6th, and Get Ready for Election Day.

Thursday: Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Web Event

Be prepared (and get excited!) about Election Day by joining Nonprofit VOTE for a special web event:

Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day
Thursday, October 11th at 2:00pm Eastern
The final weeks leading up to an election are critical for voters, and during that time the potential to impact turnout is enormous.

Learn more during this exciting event featuring:

• National nonprofit leaders highlighting the sector's pivotal role,
• Nonprofit-specific strategies for the final stages of an effective nonpartisan voter engagement campaign,
• Examples from local nonprofits on how to successfully incorporate voter engagement into programs and services, and
• Tips and tools tailored to the final weeks before Election Day and Election Day itself.

Guest presenters include:

• Michael Weekes, President and CEO, Providers' Council of Massachusetts and Board Chair, Nonprofit VOTE
• Daniel Hawkins, Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Research, National Association of Community Health Centers
• Maria Teresa Kumar, CEO/President, Voto Latino
• Zach Markovits, Manager, Election Initiatives, Pew Center on the States
• Local nonprofit leaders

Register now for Nonprofits Get Out The Vote! Countdown to Election Day and join nonprofits across the country as we lift our voices and mobilize our communities to vote on November 6th!

"Vote November 6" Kits Still Available

There's still time to order a "Vote November 6" kit--but not much!

Kits will only be available for another week or two, so order yours today and ensure you have materials to help engage voters in your community around the upcoming election. The kit includes a poster, stickers, button, and a list of suggested activities for nonprofits. Browse all of our get-out-the-vote materials.

Spark conversations at your organization by downloading and hanging a poster from our 2012 poster gallery. Need additional materials? They're available for purchase in bulk.

Research shows that when nonprofits talk to their clients about voting, they are not only more likely to vote but are also more likely to talk to their friends and family about voting. So what are you waiting for? Order a kit today and get-out-the-vote in your community!

The 2012 Election is Underway!

With early voting underway in 35 states, the 2012 presidential election is officially underway! While the current majority of early voting is taking place via absentee ballot, seven states already have in-person polling stations up and running.

With just weeks to go before November 6th, it's critical that nonprofits keep this election in the spotlight. Use your communications to share election information, deadlines, and reminders.

In 2008 about 33% of votes were cast before Election Day and in 2012 that number could top 40%. Learn about early voting options--both in-person and by mail--in your state. Request your absentee ballot.

Although balloting is underway, voters can still register to vote in most states. Check your state's registration deadline and make sure your community is registered and ready to vote on (or before) November 6th!

Homeless Does Not Mean Voteless

Image Source: AIGA GOTV Gallery
Designer: Anthony Anaya

It's National Homeless and Low-Income Voter Registration Week, an event sponsored by the The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) during each presidential election since 1992. 

NCH is a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission: To prevent and end homelessness while ensuring individuals' immediate needs are met and their civil rights protected.

To complement their registration efforts in 2012, NCH has updated their voter registration manual, You Don't Need a Home to Vote, to help clarify rules around ballot access for individuals currently experiencing homelessness.

Housing status does not dictate registration status. Make sure members of your community currently experiencing homelessness know their rights and are registered ahead of your state deadline!

Special Web Event: Nonprofits Get Out the Vote!

Be prepared (and get excited!) about Election Day by joining Nonprofit VOTE for a special web event:

Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day
Thursday, October 11th at 2:00pm Eastern
The final weeks leading up to an election are critical for voters, and during that time the potential to impact turnout is enormous.

Learn more during this exciting event featuring:

• National nonprofit leaders highlighting the sector's pivotal role, 
• Nonprofit-specific strategies for the final stages of an effective nonpartisan voter engagement campaign,
• Examples from local nonprofits on how to successfully incorporate voter engagement into programs and services, and
• Tips and tools tailored to the final weeks before Election Day and Election Day itself.

Guest presenters include:

• Michael Weekes, President and CEO, Providers' Council of Massachusetts and Board Chair, Nonprofit VOTE
• Daniel Hawkins, Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Research, National Association of Community Health Centers
• Maria Theresa Kumar, CEO/President, Voto Latino
• Lauren Forbes, Associate, Election Initiatives, Pew Center on the States
• Local nonprofit leaders

Register now for Nonprofits Get Out The Vote! Countdown to Election Day and join nonprofits across the country as we lift our voices and mobilize our communities to vote on November 6th!

What Comes After National Voter Registration Day?

Yesterday was National Voter Registration Day--the highlight of National Voter Registration Month--but that's not the end of the story.

National Voter Registration Day is part of a larger movement within the nonprofit sector, recognizing the many benefits of voting. Registered voters are six times more likely to contact or visit a public official and three times more likely to participate in a school group or neighborhood or community association. Additionally, voting is linked to higher levels of self-reported health and lower recidivism rates for ex-offenders.

If you didn't register yesterday, there's still time--how much depends on your state. Check your state deadline. Once you've registered or updated your registration, encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to do the same.

Remember that registering is only a first step and there's still a ballot to cast. Luckily you might not have to wait until November 6th! In 2008 about 33% of votes were cast before Election Day and in 2012 that number is expected to top 40%. Learn about early voting options--both in-person and by mail--in your state.

Once you're registered and ready to vote, there's still plenty you can do to encourage others. Research shows that when nonprofits talk to their clients about voting, they are not only more likely to vote but are also more likely to talk to their friends and family about voting. Building on this in 2012, Nonprofit VOTE is encouraging nonprofits to visibly support voting and order a "Vote November 6" kit which includes a poster, button, stickers, and a list of sample activities for nonprofits. We're also hosting a special web event on October 11th--Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day--which will focus on get-out-the-vote strategies and include a discussion with sector leaders.

Increasing voter participation nationwide isn't a one-time effort. It requires a sustained culture shift that emphasizes participation. Nonprofit VOTE is here to help nonprofits across the country do just that, both now and after the election. For additional ideas, browse our list of 10 Things to Do Between Now and Election Day.

Now go register to vote, update your registration, or double check your registration status!