Missing Voices : Voter Outreach Tools for Community Organizations Alberto Olivas, M.Ed. Director, Center for Civic Participation Maricopa Community Colleges

Critical Voices  What’s the problem?  Why does it matter?  Why don’t people vote?  What can CBO’s do about it?

What’s the problem?  Voter turnout for young people declining for decades  Even worse for the poor & minorities  EXCEPT for recent upturn among African-American youth!

SOURCE: Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

Why does it matter?  Where does the money go?  What rights do we have?  What opportunities will you and your children enjoy?  Is your community at the table?  What problems get fixed?  Who has hope in the future? Who is without hope?

Why don’t people vote?  What are some of the most common reasons you hear?

Why don’t people vote?

What can be done about it?

Does this guy care about politics and voting?

What did it take for me?  Anger  Frustration  Information  Opportunity

Addressing Root Causes  Eligibility  Registration, Voting Rights, Citizenship  Information  Process, Dates, Races*, Issues*  Apathy / Distrust / Cynicism *

What CAN nonprofits do?  Objective information about processes, dates, unbiased candidate events and ballot measure presentations  Take a position and advocate on issues related to the org, clientele  Survey candidates on issues germane to the org, clientele; post responses

 Contact before VR deadlines  Contact before the election  Contact on election day  Follow up after the election!

And Now some Trivia: Question 1 of 3 TRUE OR FALSE: “Voting will make you get called for jury duty”

Answer: True AND False (Trick Question!) Voter registration is only one of MANY ways they find jurors. Not registering doesn’t get you off the hook!

Question 2 of 3 TRUE OR FALSE: “Voting by mail is for suckers!”

Answer: You decide. Voters concerned about mailing the ballot may drop it off at any polling place* on election day without having to wait in line.

LAST Question TRUE OR FALSE: “You can take your kid brother or sister to the polls with you”

TRUE! Voters can take anyone of their choice into the poll with them, but it’s an especially important experience for kids!

…and a final pitch We need POLL WORKERS!! (602)

Voter Outreach Tools : Alberto Olivas, M.Ed. Director, Center for Civic Participation Maricopa Community Colleges