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Chapter 33. Conducting a Direct Action Campaign >
Section 12. Registering Voters >
Registering Voters |
Tools & Checklists | Contributed by Jenette Nagy and Jessica Bracke Edited by Phil Rabinowitz and Kate Nagy |
Tool 1:
List of commonly asked questions about registration to vote and their answers
Tool 2:
Form for names and addresses
Tool 3:
Get-Out-The-Vote Phone Bank
Tools
Tool #1: List of commonly asked questions about registration to vote and their answers
- How do I register if I am homeless? All you need to do is name a place where you "live" --a shelter, train or bus station, park, doorway, etc. --and a mailing address (for example, a soup kitchen or a relative who would be willing to accept mail for you).
- How do I know if I am a U.S. citizen? You are a citizen if you were born in the continental United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can also become a citizen through naturalization. Holders of green cards are not eligible to vote.
- If I register, am I permanently registered? Yes, unless you move or change your name. Even if you move to a different apartment within the same building you must re-register to vote. As of January 1, 1995, federal and state laws prohibit registered voters from being removed from the rolls for not voting.
- If I vote in a party's primary election, do I have to vote for that party in the general election? No. In the general election (no matter what party you chose to enroll in), you have the right to vote for the candidate of any party--or even write in your own candidate.
- Can I vote absentee? Generally, all U.S. citizens 18 years or older who will be residing outside the United States during an election period are eligible to vote absentee in any election for Federal office. In addition, all members of the Armed Forces, members of the Merchant Marine, and both groups' family members, who are U.S. citizens, may vote absentee in state and local elections.
The following questions have different answers depending on where you live. Check with local election officials for their answers.
- How will I know if I'm registered?
- Where do I vote?
- How do I get an absentee ballot?
- Do I need an I.D. card to vote?
- Can I register to vote at age 17 if I will be 18 on election day?
- Do I have to choose a political party when I register?
The above material was adapted from work done by Human SERVE. See their web site http://www.humanserve.org/ for more information.
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Tool #2: Form for names and addresses
When running a registration drive, it's a good idea to keep a list of people who have registered, in order to be sure they have received their registration material and/or as part of a GOTV campaign. Use the form below to record names and addresses.
| Names and Addresses of Newly Registered Voters |
| Name | Address | Phone Number | Already Contacted? (for office use only) |
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Tool #3: Get-Out-The-Vote Phone Bank
Adopt this for you (partisan) GOTV efforts. Thanks to Anastasia Nagy for allowing the use of this Tool.
Get-Out-the-Vote Phone Bank
[Ask for the name on the card.]
Hello, Mr./Ms. ____________________. My name is ____________, and I am a friend of (insert candidate's name), who is running for City Council in your district.
(Candidate's name) asked me to call you today because her race is very close. She wants to be sure that her supporters get to the polls this Tuesday.
Do you need a ride to your polling place?
If yes, say:
Someone will contact you to set up a time to pick you up. I know (candidate's name) will appreciate your support!
If no, then say:
Don't forget that the polls are open until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, and remember to go vote! I know (candidate's name) will appreciate your support!
[Politely terminate call.]
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Checklist
Here, you'll find a checklist summarizing the major points contained in the text.
___Your organization wants to register voters because:
- It helps to build a strong democracy
- It increases the power of your organization to influence policies
- It increases your involvement
- It helps people to realize that they can have an impact
- It can be educational and self-esteem-building
___You have found out if you need to be deputized before you can resister voters by contacting your Election Commissioner or County Clerk.
___If you are not allowed to register voters, you have considered other things to do:
- Encourage people to vote
- Help people obtain and fill out the forms
- Participate in get-out-the-vote campaigns
___Your organization has decided to register voters.
___You have appointed someone to coordinate the activities.
___You have set voter registration goals
___You know what the local registration rules are.
___You have plenty of forms for clients to fill out
___You know how to use the forms
___You have publicized the fact that you are registering voters
___You were clear that your registration policies are nonpartisan
___You have extended your help to those who needed it
___You have kept a record of the names and phone numbers of people who you registered .
___You have decided to run a voter registration drive
___You have chosen a day or days to hold the registration drive
___You have decided where and how to reach your audience
___You have recruited volunteers to help who understand that the effort is nonpartisan
___You want to persuade people to vote by employing some of the following strategies :
- Making it easy for people to register and vote
- Finding out why people aren't registered
- Find a way to respond to reasons for not voting
- Offer incentives to people who register
___You have thanked the people you have talked to.
___You have considered the possible ways to get people who have registered to actually vote.
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