Nonprofit Vote offers more Election Day resources

From Nonprofit Vote

Tuesday, Nov. 2, is almost here and tens of thousands of nonprofits have been working hard to get out the vote. It’s not too late to join the movement and help engage your community on issues that matter. Although many news outlets are broadcasting as though the election has already happened, most ballots will be cast on Election Day itself. So set aside the media coverage and focus on helping people navigate the voting process.

Eighty-eight percent of Congress is being elected and your announcement, poster, or personal reminder could be the reason an eligible voter makes it to the polls on Tuesday. Not sure what to do? Try out some of our suggestions below to make this Election Day a success!

• Increase visibility around the election. Turn up the volume by including voting reminders in all of your communications. Put up signage or decorate with streamers to create a celebratory atmosphere and increase excitement.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are equipped to answer basic questions about the election. They should know when polls open and close, how to help locate a polling site, and have contact information for your local election board and national voter hotlines available.
• Make personal contact. Reach out to voters by integrating conversations about the election into your services and meetings. Make announcements and ask individuals if they are planning to vote, or if they have already voted. Personal reminders and offering help to a voter are effective get-out-the-vote tactics.
• Post a sample ballot or nonpartisan voter guide. Many voters--new and experienced--still have questions about voting, and they're more likely to vote if they know what their choices will look like on the ballot.
• Know where to turn. Have contact information for your local election board available. Advertise toll-free hotlines such as 866-OUR-VOTE and 888-VE-Y-VOTA. 
• Wondering where to direct folks with questions? Have questions yourself? Check out these helpful resources to make sure you're ready to vote.
• Information on Voting in Your State – Use NonprofitVOTE’s 50 state map to find your polling place and check your registration to ensure everything goes smoothly on Election Day!
• Sample Ballots – To find out what's on your ballot, check out your sample ballot.
• Voter Guides – Voter Guides are often available through your local branch of the League of Women Voters, newspapers, or other nonpartisan groups. You can also visit Ballotpedia for comprehensive information on the ballot measures in your state. If you're looking for information on the candidates, Vote Easy will show how closely political candidates identify with your views on 12 different issues.
• Hotlines and Election Protection – Know your rights. The Voting Rights Project of the ACLU has developed state-by-state guides that you can print and take with you. They also include quick tips for voters to review before heading to the polls.

If you have questions on Election Day, help is available by calling one of these toll-free voter hotlines: 866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683) or 888-VE-Y-VOTA (839-8682).