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Local elections have the most impact on each of us, and yet voter turnout remains low. Help us change that! Each person’s vote counts equally, and every single voter has the ability to make a difference in their community simply by showing up to the polls.

Voter Engagement Tips

Key Voter Info

Who Can Vote?

  • School board elections typically take place every two years in most states, and are held to elect members to the local school board who will oversee the school district's policies and budget.

  • Eligibility to vote in school board elections varies by state, but in most states, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the school district, and at least 18 years old.

 

Did you know…

  • That your vote truly counts? One person = one vote.

  • Your vote in school board elections helps determine the policies and resources that shape local schools, keeping education in our hands?

  • Voting in local school board elections is our best chance to protect local control and the rights of family involvement?

  • Voter turnout in school board elections is typically lower than in general elections. Fewer than 10 percent of voters cast ballots in school board elections?

  • School boards make major decisions about school leadership, determine the mission and vision, approve the budget (including textbooks), adopt policies (including curriculum), and serve as community liaisons?

 

How Can You Help?

  • Register to vote and make a voting plan to participate in your local school board election.

  • Use social media to spread the word about the upcoming election and encourage your friends and family to register to vote.

  • Attend local community events to promote the election and help register voters.

  • Partner with local schools, youth organizations, and other community groups to spread the word about the election and encourage participation.

  • Provide information about early voting and vote-by-mail options, if available in your state, to make it easier for people to participate in the election.

 

Here are a few resources to help you stay informed and organized as you head to the polls.

Key Voter Info

Engaging Young People

Use creative and visually appealing methods to convey information 

Young voters are often bombarded with information, so making your messaging stand out is essential. Use humor, animation, or memes to make your messaging more engaging. Consider creating eye-catching graphics, videos, or social media posts that explain complex issues clearly and concisely. 

 

The Campaign for Our Shared Future voter guide is a great tool to leverage to help young voters stay informed. This resource provides essential information about registration, participation, and guidance for staying current on current community issues.

 

Youth Ambassadors 

Recruit young people to become ambassadors for the local school board elections. These ambassadors can help spread the word about the elections and encourage their peers to get involved.

 

Host events that are relevant and appealing to young voters 

Consider organizing events geared towards the interests of young voters. For example, you could host a concert, poetry slam, or art exhibit focusing on education equity issues. These events help create a sense of community and camaraderie among young voters, which helps increase engagement.

 

Collaborate with influencers

Partner with local celebrities, social media influencers, or other high-profile individuals who can help spread your message to a broader audience. These individuals often have large followings on social media and can help generate buzz and excitement around your cause.

 

Collaborate with Youth Organizations

Partner with youth organizations and other community groups targeted at high school and college students to help promote the elections. These groups can provide a platform for outreach to a wider audience.

 

Provide incentives for voting 

Consider offering small incentives such as free snacks, stickers, or other merchandise to young people who show up to vote. This can motivate young voters who may not feel particularly invested in the election's outcome.

 

Highlight the election's impact on future generations

Emphasize the long-term impact that elections can have on the future of education and the opportunities available to young people. Encourage young voters to think about the kind of world they want to create for themselves and their peers, and to vote accordingly.

Engaging Young People

Increasing Voter Turnout

Talk Through Text 

Voters will pay attention to the little buzz in their pockets or purse, therefore, making texting a powerful way to drive voters to the polls. Users of Outvote, a mobile app that helps you text personal contacts reminders to vote, had an 8 percentage point effect on getting their friends to cast ballots in the 2018 midterm elections.

 

Are you thinking of using texting to help increase voter turnout? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Build your text list by requesting mobile numbers at voter registration drives

  • Texting had the biggest impact on the turnout of voters ages 30 to 44

  • Only the more personal approaches substantially increase voter turnout

 

The Key To Knocking On Doors

Team up with local organizations, such as community groups and churches for a people-powered grassroots movement. Door-knocking has traditionally been one of the most popular campaign strategies to increase voter turnout and remains a leading method in reaching out to voters.

 

Scale Up With Social Media

Fact - There are over  302 million people using social media in the U.S. As social media continues to grow in popularity among politicians using these platforms to amplify their messages, apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are ideal places to plant voter education messages to help drive turnout.

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Organize a Voter Registration Drive

Help make an impact by registering voters. Consider using platforms, such as Rock The Vote, which will provide you with a toolkit to host virtual or in-person voter registration drives.

 

Consider The Messenger

When sending voter education messages, always consider the messenger. Deliver the message through a platform or person that people trust. For example, you can entrust the help of a local influencer that has a trusted rapport with the community; consider local leaders, a local celebrity, or a social media influencer that has a connection to the community.

Increasing Voter Turnout
Tabling

Tabling

Tabling List Items

 

  • Eye-catching signage

    • To draw people to the table, it's important to use eye-catching signs and banners that clearly communicate the purpose of the table. The signage should be clear and easy to read from a distance, and should include key messages about the importance of voting in school board elections.

  • Tablecloth

  • Table & Chairs (confirm tables needed with event sponsor/location)

  • Tent Cover (depending on the weather for an outdoor event)

  • Computer or Tablet (to collect information, register people to vote)

  • Print Collateral/ Flyers

  • SWAG items

    • Branded items and merchandise

  • Activities for children

    • Coloring pages, crayons, games, etc.

  • Cleaning items

    • Clorox wipes, trash bags, gloves and hand sanitizer

 

Set Up & Strategy

 

  • Identify the right locations.

    • To maximize the impact of tabling, it's important to set up in locations where people are likely to be. This might include community centers, libraries, shopping centers, or other areas where people gather. 

  • Use social media to promote the event, including the date, time, and location of the table. 

    • You should also use social media to share photos and videos of the event and to encourage others to get involved in voter registration and civic engagement.

  • Have enough materials to last the whole event and take extra just in case. 

    • Prepare informational materials to distribute to those who stop by the table. This might include brochures, flyers, or other materials that provide information about school board elections, voter registration, and the importance of civic engagement.

  • Be engaging! 

    • Cell phones and devices not being used for tabling purposes should be away from the table unless in case of an emergency. 

    • Make eye contact with community members and don’t be afraid to start a conversation.

    • Stand in front of the table instead of sitting behind it. This shows a willingness to engage and tell community members about upcoming board elections in your community. 

    • When people stop by the table, partners and advocates should engage with them in a friendly and welcoming manner. This might involve asking them about their concerns or questions related to school board elections, providing them with information about the election process, or simply encouraging them to register to vote.

    • Create interactive activities to engage people and make the table more memorable, setting up interactive activities such as a photo booth or an activity to develop a voting plan in preparation for school board elections.

  • Organize your table.

    • Be sure items are plentiful and are presented on your table in an organized manner.

    • Keep your table neat. Throw away trash and replace wipes/hand sanitizer in between conversations.

  • Be sure to follow up.

    • After the event, follow up with those who stopped by the table to thank them for their participation and to encourage them to stay engaged in the election process.

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