A short list to help you vote and get involved.
(I will update this list periodically, as I find new and helpful tools.)
Vote.org
A website to check your voter registration, and help you register to vote in all 50 states
This is a great not-for-profit website that can help you check whether your voter registration is current, no matter which state or territory you live in. This site can also help you register to vote where you live, and send you reminders.
VoteWithMe
An App to help you learn who voted and who is registered
A delightful free app for your smartphone to help you learn the voting history and registration of each person on your phone contact list. VoteWithMe wont tell you who they voted for, as that’s private information, but it can tell you all public information about your contacts, such as their state and district of registration, their voting history in past elections, and their party affiliation if they declared it.
VoteWithMe will help you send individual texts to each contact to remind them to vote, and even ask them to get the word out. Texts are individualized for different types of contacts.
Remember, there is a great deal of research that the most effective way to get a person to vote is through his/her friends or family. A personal text from you to a friend is twenty times (yes, folks, 20X) more likely to influence, rather than a TV advertisement or social media post.
Sample Email
Folks, this sample email is from the League of Women Voters, a very important non-partisan organization that is 100 years old this year. They believe in getting out the vote. Visit their website www.LWV.org for more info.
From: You
To: Everyone on your email contact list
Subject: Important Information before you Vote
(best if sent personally and/or in a mail merge with at least the first name of the recipient customized).
Hi [NAME],
Election Day is almost here! Are you ready to vote?
I am reaching out to share some important tips for Election Day.
This election is important, and it is your chance to take control for your community and weigh in on the issues that matter most to you and your family. As voters, we all have an equal say in determining our future. That’s why it is so important to go cast a vote!
Here are a few important tips:
- Please visit www.VOTE411.org and enter your address to find helpful information about voting in our community, including candidate information
- On Election Day, polling places are open in from XX am to XX pm.
- [IF required in your state ]At the polls, you’ll be required to show [an ID/utility bill/etc. ].
The leaders we elect will make decisions that affect your everyday life — your job, health care, energy costs, the economy and more. So don’t sit this one out — join your friends and neighbors and make it count on [Election Date]!
If I can help answer any questions you have about the election process, please feel free to email or call me at [123-456-7890]
Thank you for voting!
YOUR NAME
Sample Texts
Folks, these texts are very similar to the ones on VoteWithMe, a wonderful free app for your smartphone that can tell you the voting history of everyone on your contact list. I suggest you download the app, and they can guide you better on which text to use and the best time to send, etc.
Friends and Family
Hi Tom or Francesca, Just reminding people about the elections coming up. Are you planning to vote?
Strong Voter
Hola Jose or Linda, I know you are going to vote, but what about your friends and family? We need to get them to the polls too. Be sure to remind them.
Professional contact
Hello Dick or Sarah, I have taken on the challenge of reminding my network to vote.
Havent talked in a while
Hey Abdul or Kate, Its been a while! I’ve been reminding folks about the election coming up and thought I’d reach out. You gonna vote?
League of Women Voters
This venerable organization is 100 years old and has its roots in the women’s suffrage movement. LWV is a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy. They believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
Remember the 19th amendment, ratified only 100 years ago on August 18, 1920: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” The result of sacrifice and hard work by many women from all walks of life.