7 ways to encourage your friends to vote

By Katy Savage

August 13, 2024

Encouraging your friends to vote can be a meaningful way to help them engage in the democratic process. Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Start conversations about voting

Talk about issues that matter: Discuss how voting impacts issues that are important to them, such as healthcare, education, the environment, or social justice.
Share personal reasons: Explain why voting is important to you personally and how you believe it makes a difference.

2. Make voting social

Plan a group voting day: Suggest going to the polls together or making it a fun event with friends. This can make voting feel like a shared experience rather than a solo task.
Host a voting party Consider hosting a gathering where friends can discuss candidates and issues before voting together.

3. Provide information and resources

Share nonpartisan resources: Provide links to voter guides or websites that offer unbiased information about candidates and issues.
Offer help with registration: If any of your friends aren’t registered, offer to help them navigate the process.

4. Address concerns

Listen to their hesitations: If your friends are hesitant to vote, listen to their concerns and provide encouragement or solutions where possible.
Discuss common myths: Address any misconceptions they might have about voting, such as thinking their vote doesn’t count.

5. Lead by example

Be enthusiastic: Show your own excitement about voting and share your experiences, like early voting or absentee voting, if applicable.
Post on social media: Share that you’ve voted and encourage others to do the same by posting on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

6. Make voting accessible

Offer a ride: If transportation is an issue, offer to give your friends a ride to the polling place.
Remind them of key dates: Send reminders about Election Day.

7. Talk about civic duty

Highlight the importance of participation: Emphasize that voting is a key way to participate in shaping the future of the community and country.
Discuss the impact of low voter turnout: Explain how higher voter turnout can lead to more representative government and better decision-making.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.

Author

Katy Savage

Katy Savage is the Granite Post's newsletter editor. Katy is an award-winning reporter with more than 10 years of experience working in daily, weekly, and digital news organizations as both an editor and reporter. Katy is a New England native and has a passion for telling stories about where she grew up.

Have a story tip? Reach Katy at [email protected]. For local reporting in New Hampshire that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Katy's newsletter.

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CATEGORIES: Election 2024

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