How To Talk About Voting With Friends Who Don't Vote

talk about voting

Let's talk about voting...

Encouraging friends and family

who are reluctant to vote can be

awkward, difficult or frustrating.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve got you covered.

Let's talk about voting...

Encouraging friends and family

who are reluctant to vote can be

awkward, difficult or frustrating.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve got you covered.

TALK ABOUT VOTING

When They Say

"I Don’t Like Any of
the Candidates" "I Don’t Know the Candidates" "It’s Just Not Something
That Interests Me" "It’s Rigged!
What’s the Point?" "My Vote Doesn’t Matter" "I’m Too Busy" "I’m Nervous About Voting" "I’m Concerned About Covid-19"

You Say

I hear you.

It can be tough to find a politician to completely
agree with or relate to.

But we're not picking friends here. We're choosing the direction of the free world.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Vote for policies instead of personalities. Check out their positions and vote for the ideas that are closest to yours.
Vote in reverse! One's gonna win. Go with the one that pisses you off the least.
It’s not just candidates on the ballot! You can also vote on laws, amendments and proposals through referendums and ballot initiatives.
Two words: Supreme Court. Whatever you think of the candidates, they’ll pick different Supreme Court justices, and that impacts your personal freedom.
It's not about them. It's about you. Elections are about standing up for the things you believe in.

Show Them Their Ballot

Spread the Word

You Say

That’s understandable. Unless you follow politics closely, it’s hard to know the difference between them.

Here are a few quick ways to learn enough to feel good about voting.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Google it! Search "non-partisan candidate guide" along with your city and state
to find unbiased info about your ballot.
Bring a cheat sheet! You can have it with you while you vote. Elections are like open-book tests that you pass just by casting your vote.
Pick a party! There's nothing wrong with just voting based on party if their platform is closer to your beliefs.

Show Them Their Ballot

Spread the Word

You Say

I get that.

Politics can be off-putting, especially when people get aggressive about their opinions.

But voting is also something that affects everyone on a personal level.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Not voting is the #1 cause of unwanted presidencies! Don’t get stuck for four years with a leader you had no say in choosing. You can't put a president up for adoption!
You'd be surprised! Think about the one thing you care most about. I guarantee it'll be affected by this election.
Do it for someone you love! You must have a friend or family member who cares deeply about this election. If you support their beliefs in principle, vote to have their back.

Help Them Register

Spread the Word

You Say

I agree that it’s frustrating when people try to cheat and even worse when they succeed.

But that’s all the more reason to make sure you participate.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Put up a fight! Don't cheat yourself out of having a voice by letting crooked politicians own the system. Don't let them win.
Voting can unrig it! There are tons of ideas to reform democracy that never get anywhere because politicians think voters don’t care. Not being a voter just proves them right.
When the house is on fire, we don’t just let it burn! The path to change isn’t perfect, but if we give up, then it’s really all over. Reform happens when people like us rise up. That starts with voting.
Landslides don’t lie! Your vote can add up to a clear victory. And if the margins are wide enough, there’s less chance of manipulating the outcomes.

Help Them Register

Spread the Word

You Say

I understand why it might feel that way. It can be hard to see our impact when millions of people are voting.

But the truth is that every vote matters.

I know that sounds corny, but there are so many ways that it does...

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Follow the money! If your vote doesn't matter, why are people spending millions of dollars to get it?
Think small! Your vote means a LOT in state and local elections. Exactly ONE vote in 2017 determined control of the Virginia State Legislature.
Tip the balance! The last presidential election was decided by around 100,000 votes and in 2000 it was decided by just 537!
Show the politicians who’s boss! Politicians listen to their most reliable voting blocs. If our generation doesn't vote, they have no reason to listen.
A right and a privilege! There are a lot of people in the world who aren’t given any voice at all. And a lot of Americans had to fight for the right. Exercising it is an act of respect and service.

Help Them Check Their Status

Spread the Word

You Say

Totally.

Trying to schedule in voting on top of everything else can be difficult.

Luckily there are some options that make it quick and easy.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Take the expressway! Most states offer new voting options that are more convenient than voting on election day.
Vote by mail! More and more states are offering this option without requiring an excuse. Be accurate. Be quick. Just fill it in and mail it back. Done!
Vote early! Lots of states are opening polling sites before Election Day. So, you can choose a convenient time and day (like on the weekend!) to get in and out without standing in long lines.
No regrets! Registering takes less than 2 minutes and you can do it online. You’re not committed to actually go and vote. But if you’re not registered, you won’t even have the option.

Help Them Register Share Info About Voting From Home

Spread the Word

You Say

I understand.

The voting process can be intimidating.

What is it about voting that makes you nervous? Here are a few ways to gain some confidence.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Plan ahead! Overwhelmed by the choices? Google your ballot to decide your votes in advance. Don’t know where to go? Find your polling place online.
Enjoy door-to-door service! If you’re stuck without transportation, google “ride to polling place” where you live. There are organizations and companies that will give you a free lift to go vote.
You’re Not Alone! Sometimes you can vote with a friend or family member if you share the same election district. And if your confused or concerned about your rights, you can always call 866-OUR-VOTE for support.

Help Them Find Their Polling Place Show Them Their Ballot

Spread the Word

You Say

That’s absolutely a valid concern.

Your comfort and your safety are important.

Here are some ways to make sure you can participate without putting yourself at risk.

Remind / Guide / Encourage

Safety first! Many states are taking extra health precautions: providing hand sanitizer, requiring masks and enforcing social distancing, offering early voting and allowing you to vote by mail.
Vote by mail! More and more states are offering this option without requiring an excuse. Make sure you request and mail your ballot in time to meet all the deadlines.
Vote early! Lots of states are opening polling sites in the weeks and days before Election Day. So, you can get in and out without having to stand in long lines.

Share Info About Voting From Home

Spread the Word

When They Say

Quick tips

Stay relaxed. Don’t be judgmental. Be patient.
Avoid making them feel tricked or cornered into the conversation.
Remember, it can be very personal for some people to talk about voting.
Don’t make them feel like you’re trying to find out what their vote will be.
Be empathetic. Listen deeply and intentionally. Know when to stop.

Host a voter reg drive

Stay relaxed. Don’t be judgmental. Be patient.

Avoid making them feel tricked or cornered into the conversation.

Remember, it can be very personal for some people to talk about voting.

Don’t make them feel like you’re trying to find out what their vote will be.

Be empathetic. Listen deeply and intentionally. Know when to stop.