VOTER ENGAGEMENT FOR OHIO NONPROFITS Getty Images Gabriel Hackett
About OhioVOTES OhioVOTES, a project of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, works to help nonprofits increase voter participation and civic engagement in low income communities.
Our Presenters Carrie Davis, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio James Hayes, Deputy Director of Ohio Voice
Introductions Name Organization Where are you from? 1 sentence about why you are here
Ice Breaker Stand up and start moving around the room.
Agenda 1. Why Register Voters? 2. Nonpartisan Guidelines 3. Making a Plan 4. Know the Rules 5. Registering Voters
Why Register Voters? Low income communities are under-represented in election turnout Voter registration is the first step to creating a more active and engaged citizenry and community Registered voters are more likely to join neighborhood activities, contact elected officials and be active citizens
Why Register Voters? Registered voters bring longer-term benefits to your organization and community: o Get the Attention of Elected Officials o Build Community Clout o Foster Community-Based Leadership
Why Register Voters? 2017 Fall Election 2 Statewide Ballot Issues Local races Local ballot issues 2018 Governor U.S. Senate Congress State AG, auditor, SOS, etc. Ballot Issues?
Trusted and respected in our communities In touch with underrepresented populations Personal contact to spur participation Important for your community Why Nonprofits?
Nonprofits Need to be engaged 11
Nonpartisan Guidelines for Nonprofits
The One Rule: No Partisan Activity A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Must Not: SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A CANDIDATE for public office Endorse candidates or political parties Donate money or resources to candidates Rate candidates on single issues
Guidelines For Registering Someone to Vote You may NOT suggest which candidate to vote for or which party to join You may explain what it means to register with a party or as an independent You may provide nonpartisan voter guides
Federal Funding Restrictions Nonprofits who receive Community Service Block Grant funding (e.g. Community Action Agencies) and Head Start agencies may not: Use CSBG or Head Start funds to pay for staff or materials to conduct voter registration. Use CSBG or Head Start funds to provide rides to the polls. AmeriCorps members cannot conduct voter registration during work hours.
Making A Plan
Making A Plan Consider: Timing: Determine your time frame that is realistic Scope: Agency, folks served, or the community Staffing: Who coordinates? Who helps participants? Kick Off: Inform staff about the drive & encourage participation Follow Up: Getting registered voters to vote
National Voter Registration Day September 26, 2017 http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/
Door Knock or Cube Knock Staff Meetings a Good Way to Get Out Info Create Visibility, eg. Signs, posters, countdown clocks Incorporate voting in points of service, classes & trainings and community events Online Voter Registration Suggestions
What to Expect Many people have previously registered Updating an address on a registration is just as important as registering for the first time Combine registration with other events or activities, like promoting your agency s services, or have voter pledge cards
Voter Registration Checklist Get agency buy-in Consider timing, scope Make a plan Assign staff Get registration forms & supplies, or set up online registration station Know the rules
Engaging America s nonprofits in voting and elections http://www.nonprofitvote.org/# 89 South Street, Suite 203 Boston, MA, 02111 Phone: 617-357-8683 Fax: 617-478-0378 Email: info@nonprofitvote.org
Know The Rules: Voter Registration Forms If you embark on a Voter Registration Drive: Voter registration forms must be turned in within 10 days of completion Voter registration forms can be dropped off or mailed to either the: County Board of Elections (Morse Rd.) Ohio Secretary of State (Broad St. downtown)
Know the Rules: Eligibility United States citizen 18 years old by Election Day Resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before Election Day Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction Not declared incompetent to vote by court Not permanently disenfranchised for violating election law
Know the Rules: Criminal Records
Know the Rules: What Address to Use? You have the right to vote even if you are homeless or don t have a permanent address Voter registration forms require an address: state law defines home as the place you intend to return to live Voters can use the address of a homeless shelter or other agency where they can receive mail.
Registering Voters
Registering Voters Paper Registration Form Online Voter Registration OR
Registering Voters: Online Driver s license or BMVissued ID AND Social Security Number required
Registering Voters: On Paper Citizen? 18 years old?
Registering Voters Voter registration forms are available at: County Boards of Election Ohio Secretary of State Public Libraries Public High Schools Bureau of Motor Vehicles Department of Job and Family Services agencies
Update Your Registration if... You moved Your name changed Or you haven t voted in awhile.
Everyone should check their voter registration! VERIFY YOUR VOTE ELECTION DAY 7 BY OCTOBER 10 www.myohiovote.com
After Registration, What Next? Remind people to get out and vote! Early voting starts Oct. 11, the day after the registration deadline Post early voting schedule and bus routes/rides to the Early Voting Center (1700 Morse Rd., Columbus) Provide absentee ballot applications Election Day reminder: hours, polling place lookup, rides