Conducting a Voter Registration Drive

Conducting a Voter Registration Drive & Get Out the Vote Campaign

Does Voting Really Make a Difference?

Politicians listen to people who vote--or they'll be out of a job. In the last three election cycles, an average shift of 10,400 votes in each contest would have changed the outcome of 20 U.S. Senate races.

Elections mean a lot to your life and the lives of people close to you. Changing a couple of votes in the Senate or House--or in the State Legislature--can change what happens to billions of dollars. Helping people register to vote, and reminding others how important it is to vote, gives people a voice and makes the democratic process stronger.

What is Legally Permissible?

A tax-exempt organization like religious groups may organize and/or participate in voter registration, education, and get out the vote activities without jeopardizing their tax exempt status, provided the effort is nonpartisan. Nonpartisan means that the activity or program is not influenced by, affiliated with, or supportive of the interests or policies of any one political party, candidate or referendum. Efforts must focus solely on educating members about the importance of voting without bias for or against any candidate or party.

What Should We Avoid?

Do not distribute material on particular candidates, political parties or issues as part of your voter registration drive. However, candidate forums are an effective and acceptable activity for congregations, and can be organized as a separate effort.
Do not offer suggestions or opinions on which party people should register for or for whom they should vote.

Where Do I Start?

1. Enlist help

Begin by identifying others in your organization who would be interesting in helping with a voter registration drive. Share your interest and invite feedback/ideas for how best to proceed. Collaborate with other non-partisan organizations (such as the League of Women Voters).

2. Collect Information

Learn about voter registration laws in your area. Contact your city or county Registrar of Voters to learn about how and where registration is carried out in your community and to order voter registration cards and materials. These officials may provide training sessions for groups who are interested in conducting voter registration drives. You may hold a registration drive in your own faith community, or for the community at large.

3. Develop an Action Plan

Remember: voter registration is year-round process. While upcoming elections establish important registration deadlines, every faith community should consider a year round campaign.

Remind volunteers that the effort is nonpartisan. Volunteers may not advocate particular candidates or suggest how a person should vote. It is a good idea to have volunteers from more than one political party.

You may want to set up a table at coffee hour, providing forms and reminding people of the important responsibility to vote.

Be creative in your outreach efforts. Think about how you might reach those who often do not register and/or do not vote--including youth and low income people.

Federal Election Commission rules require that a sign be posted or written notice be made available to those registering, stating: "Our voter registration services are available without regard to voters political preference."

4. Spread The Word

Publicize voter registration efforts in the worship bulletin congregational newsletter and from the pulpit. Encourage your rabbi or pastor to address the issues of political responsibility and citizenship.