7 ways to encourage your friends to vote

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.