World Betterment: Why Vote?

Voter Awareness 

Did you know the term "voter suppression" is the act of "discouraging or preventing specific groups of people from voting" as a strategy to influence the outcome of an election? Voter suppression disproportionately effects BIPOC and low-income households as compared to white voters. 

To learn more about voter suppression, who it effects, who it benefits, and what you can do to help yourself and your community overcome voter suppression, check out these resources: 

• What is Voter Suppression? Video 
• Why American Voter Registrations are Disappearing Video  

Voter Awareness Resources for Educators

• Ten Questions for Changemakers unit 
• Current Events teaching idea: Voting Rights in the United States 
• Current Events teaching idea: Assessing the Strength of Democracy 
• Teaching for Democracy Alliance

 

VoteRiders.org

"18% of citizens age 18-24 do not have photo ID with their current address and name. That’s 5,500,000 young adult citizens in jeopardy of not being able to vote!"

• Call or text @thevoteriders to make sure you have the ID you need to cast a ballot that counts: 844-338-8743.
• Then tag three friends and remind them to do the same. RIGHT. NOW. The election is less than 90 days away! If anyone needs help securing ID to vote, VoteRiders has your back -- just call/text/email them NOW and they can help cover ID fees, track down a copy of your birth certificate, or arrange a ride to the DMV!
• If you don’t need help – please consider chipping in to cover these costs for someone else. Every American deserves for their voice to be heard November 3!

Take these steps to ready yourself for Election Day: 

1. Check Your Voter Registration

Make sure you are registered and that your registration is up to date with your current address.

2. Check Your ID

Every state has different requirements for what ID you may need to register and vote. Make sure you have what you need.

3. Tell Your Friends and Family

Make sure their registration is up to date and have them check that they have what they need to vote.

4. Volunteer

You can do a lot leading up to the election. We need help calling and texting voters, joining our letter-writing program, helping with research, and data entry. We also looking for social media and design volunteers.

In response to COVID-19, VoteRiders has accelerated digital and remote-organizing tools to meet the challenge of educating and assisting eligible voters with voter ID. Download digital services document here.

 

 

Rock the Vote: "Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people."

History: "In 1990, music executives founded Rock the Vote in response to the censorship of hip-hop and rap artists. Our first partnership, with MTV, promoted the message that 'Censorship is Un-American' and activated millions of young people across the country to exercise their rights and represent their interests. For 30 years, we have continuously adapted to the changing landscapes of media, technology and culture to breakthrough and empower each new generation."

• How to vote: take these steps as you prepare to vote!
• Get Involved:  help educate others about voting

Vote.org: is a nonprofit organization that "uses technology to simplify political engagement, increase voter turnout, and strengthen American democracy."

• Voter Registration Rules: check the voter registration rules in your state
• Register to Vote
• Voting & COVID-19: see what in-person voting guidelines for your state 

 

Take action for yourself, your family, and your community and get ready to vote in this year's election.

When We All Vote "is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that is on a mission to increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap by changing the culture around voting, harnessing grassroots energy, and through strategic partnerships to reach every American."

• Take Action: volunteer,  donate, help students and parents register to vote, form a partnership, and more
• Attend an Event: get involved in voter awareness by attending an in-person or virtual event
• More Resources: get state-by-state voting info, register to vote, and more 

For Students and Educators

With the help of Michelle Obama (Co-chair), When We All Vote is making schools across the nation hubs for vote registration! For more information and to get involved see resources below.

• My School Votes 
• A Message from Michelle Obama

#VoteReady: helps ensure that businesses, institutions, universities, and individuals have what they need to vote

• #VoteReady Toolkit
• Voter Tools and Steps: Check your registration, register to vote, and request your ballot

Abnerline Macenat, NSHSS Ambassador: League of Women Voters of Stamford

"I remember the first day The League of Women Voters came to my school to discuss the importance of civic duty and engagement. Yet, little did I know in 11 months from then, I was going to be an elected board member and student representative for my town division. Growing up, I always knew voting represents an essential part of our democracy; however, I was intimidated by the presidential politics and the intricate system that unanimously upholds this critical right that we all should exercise proudly. I am sixteen years old, and most of my friends rather talk about new songs on the radio than the upcoming local elections and its parties, then I noticed it wasn't just my friends, but rather 2/3 of this country. Half of Americans don't vote. Low voter turnout is a prevalent issue in our nation, corroborated by voters' suppression and the lack of ballot access. As a nonpartisan organization, the League of Women Voters strives to promote an environment of community engagement, ranging from ages 16 and up. They work to increase voter turnout through voter registration, distribution of voter information, educational programs, and forums. They also manage to assemble experts to discuss complex issues, candidate debates, and local and state studies on member-driven effects. As a board member and student representative, my role is to encourage the youth around me to participate in civic engagement. I manage our social media campaign and develop informational resources from our younger members to use. I also volunteer as a committee member at tabling events where we register people to vote and offer the community a better sense of the organization by giving out essential information. The League has helped me better understand the world around me while actively providing me opportunities to improve my community's betterment."

Call to Action

We need more youth leaders. Join a League in your city or town, we are everywhere but we need more young voices, voices that will lead us into tomorrow. For more information, visit lwv.org and follow us on social media @lwvstamford. You can also donate now! Be the change we want to see in the world!

Your citizenship is the only credential you need to be a voter.

Check out this blog about why voting is important:

Be A Voter Blog