With the end of every year comes a time of reflection – when folks look back at the year they’ve had in hopes of making the year ahead better.
We’re no different.
While the 2020 election was more than a year ago, in 2021 we got to dig through the aftermath of the record-breaking election and that’s where we found 10 incredible facts that should serve as points of inspiration for any organization in 2022. So whether you are looking to get started doing voter engagement in the new year or want to improve your registration game, keep these facts pinned to your monitor and know that you CAN make a difference and ensure that America keeps its promise of a truly representative democracy.
#10
If your organization is doing GOTV work, make sure you are aware of voting trends and understand that in-person voting (at least in 2020) was not the most popular way people had their voice heard at the ballot. Stay updated on the vote-by-mail laws and options in your state.
#9
Looking to engage voters from low-income communities? Sure, it may be easier to do digital outreach but in-person outreach may prove MUCH more effective.
#8
While it’s true that many state registration deadlines are often weeks ahead of the election, an increasing number of states allow for same-day registration. Is your state one of them? Stay current on how and when your community can get #VoteReady.
#7
In our interview with Jack Rosen at the National Disability Rights Network, we learned that “out of the 234 million eligible voters in 2020, about 38.3 million were people with disabilities.” That’s a HUGE voting block. Is YOUR organization ready to engage them in 2022?
#6
When your nonprofit commits to doing robust, nonpartisan voter engagement work you are two times MORE likely to reach voters of color.
#5
We ranked all the states by voter turnout and found a crucial similarity: 8 of the top 10 states had EITHER vote by mail, same day registration policies or BOTH.
#4
Just released this month, Independent Sector published a poll showing that 71% of voters “think it is a good idea for nonprofits to offer voter support services, like voter registration and election day transportation.”
#3
Need more inspiration to help young people get out to the polls? We learned that young voters in 2020 who were engaged by nonprofits were 5 percentage points MORE likely to vote than those NOT contacted.
#2
Like everyone else, voters want things to be convenient. And while they may not have the immediate say-so on their state’s rules, when they do have options, the majority of voters will choose the method most convenient even over concerns like COVID.
#1
Nonprofits CAN close historical voting gaps. Low-propensity Black voters engaged by nonprofits saw an 11 percentage point boost in voter turnout, closing a gap between low-propensity Black and White voters.
