Tips For a Successful Voter Registration Drive
In order to be successful in achieving our goals we must begin by focusing on the most basic act that a citizen can perform – voting.
If young conservatives are to continue to thrive as a political force in this country, if we expect our issues to be addressed in the public arena, then we must be capable to turning out in force when the polls are open. Obviously this is impossible if we are not registered to vote.
Promotion
Place an announcement in your school or organization paper in advance. If your campus or group has an announcement board, use this method as well. Whatever needs to be done for your voter registration drive, get the word out about your event.
Necessary Materials
You should be able to get copies of the voter registrations forms from your state. Get more information here.
Set Up The Table
When setting up your registration table, make sure to place it in an area with heavy traffic. You may want to use multiple locations if applicable to the setup of the venue for your voter registration drive. If you have posters, hang them behind your table so that people will know why you are there. Spread the registration forms and other materials on your table.
Work The Table
When working the table, you should stand in front of it. DO NOT SIT DOWN. Engage people in conversation as they pass, asking them if they are registered to vote. You must be pro-active or nothing will happen.
When a person takes a form, have them fill it out immediately at your table. Don’t give them any opportunity to take it with them and then forget. Tell them you will be responsible for taking all completed forms to the voter registration office (or mailing them in if your state so requires). Use the voter registration sign-up sheets to get their names, addresses and phone numbers so we can keep them informed on issues as well as upcoming elections.
The Follow Up
After you have filed all the new registration forms with your voter registration office, send a copy of the names to the state office. You now have a list of young conservatives who are engaged in justice policy reform who are registered voters. Stay in contact with these individuals, as they may need additional information about Young Conservatives for Justice Reform and events and activism in the future.
The Goal
We are encouraged by the progress that Young Conservatives for Justice Reform is making. Not just by way of increasing the number of likeminded voters, but also active citizens who are informed and knowledgeable about issues involving Justice Reform and the positions of candidates for office. These are the people who will become future Young Conservatives for Justice Reform leaders, chapter members, and volunteers. They are the next generation of leaders in the Justice Reform movement..
Reporting Voter Registration Threats
If you receive reports of any voter drive volunteer being threatened not to participate in voter registration activities, please report those incidents to Young Conservatives for Justice Reform as soon as possible. Supply the name of the volunteer threatened and all pertinent contact information and full details of the person or organization that threatened the efforts of the voter drive.
According to federal law, it is illegal to intimidate, threaten, or coerce anyone, verbally or through correspondence, from registering to vote or participating in voter registration activities. This would be a serious threat to our freedom as Americans, and must be dealt with accordingly.
How To Contact Us
If you have any questions about conducting a voter registration drive or participating in any other Young Conservatives for Justice Reform activities, please do not hesitate to contact us.