(Editor's Note: Debbie Wuthnow is iVoterGuide President and is today's Guest Writer. This article was published first in the April 2024 print edition of The Stand.)
While the national media focuses on the upcoming presidential election, that will be only one of many races on the ballot. With the political primary season still underway, numerous opportunities exist to impact the November ballot. Because only 20% of voters participate, voting in the primary is the best way to impact election outcomes. However, there are other practical ways to make a difference.
Encourage friends to register to vote.
Millions of eligible voters are missing from America’s political decision-making process because they are not registered to vote. Seasoned voters can help change that by example and encouragement.
iVoterGuide has resources to help reluctant citizens take that first step of becoming a registered voter.
In some states, an application is required to become a voter registrar who collects and submits completed registration forms. Other states simply make forms available to distribute. Contact a county elections office to learn more.
Become an election worker.
Election workers facilitate the voting process on Election Day. By working at a local polling location, these workers take responsibility for protecting the right to vote and the security of the process. Learn how to become an election worker through the United States Election Assistance Commission (eac.gov). Training is also usually provided through local county elections offices.
How important are poll workers? In a 2004 Tennessee election, a vigilant poll worker caught one lady trying to vote using her deceased sister’s name. In a 2010 primary in Dallas, a poll worker attempted to use another person’s registration information to cast a fraudulent vote. Her attempt was thwarted, thankfully, by another poll worker who was honest.
The integrity of those entrusted with administering our elections is critically important.
Become a poll watcher or observer.
Accountability is a key component to an honest election. Volunteer poll watchers observe the voting process at the polling location and make sure that no illegal electioneering is taking place.
Poll watchers may be appointed by a political candidate or party and are needed both where voting takes place and where ballots are counted.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (ncsl.org) lists state requirements for election observers. County elections offices can provide specific information.
Take action.
Citizen action is by far the most effective way to engage others in voting, protect election integrity, and ultimately preserve America’s freedoms. In counties, communities, and polling places all across America, someone will hold a registration drive, facilitate the voting process, or sign up as a poll watcher. Be that someone.
Multiplied by each county throughout the nation, these actions have a compounding effect – good or bad. It all depends on who steps into the roles.
Does it make a difference? … Yes, it does!
