National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 15, Virginia!
You can directly impact your community by helping more people become registered to vote. How? By hosting a voter registration drive!
As we get closer to Virginia’s General Election, organizations across the Commonwealth are gearing up for November by driving voter registration, as this increases voter turnout on Election Day. Many prospective voters— including college students, folks new to the state, and those who have not historically been civically engaged—need a little assistance filling out their voter registration application.
That’s where you can come in, Virginia. By hosting a voter registration drive, you’re not only ensuring that your community can vote, but you’re also helping untapped, underserved communities to make their voice heard.
Putting on a voter registration drive is easier than you think! Here are some steps to take before you start.
Why host a voter registration drive?
Of course, the main goal of a voter registration drive is to get eligible Virginians ready to vote, but it’s far from the only reason to host one.
Political campaigns, candidates, and lawmakers pay attention to civically active communities. Further, by increasing voter participation, you’re helping your community elect officials that more accurately represent their needs and diversity.
Another huge plus for voter registration drives is community connection. Your civic action could lead to lifelong voters, new relationships, and shared advocacy with your neighbors.
Take voter registration drive training
Before you start planning your drive, it’s important to know that the state of Virginia requires you to take a training if you plan on registering more than 25 people. This training teaches you how to register, properly file, and manage your voter registration drive effectively, and only one member of your group or organization is required to take this training.
Pick a place to host
Now that you have your training done, you can start planning your drive!
Location is important. Start with a communal space people already use, and ask permission before you promote the event. Voter registration drives are nonpartisan events, so consider reaching out to your local church, civic center, a local business, or similar spaces.
Download free materials
Plenty of voting organizations provide free materials to help you host a smooth and successful voter drive.
The national organization Rock the Vote provides guides on in-person and virtual event hosting, as well as QR codes and graphics to make your event pop.
Need a local perspective? The organization Nonprofit VOTE has a free guide just for Virginia.
Add this Dogwood resource to your setup
Use Dogwood’s voter registration tool below to help your neighbors check their registration status, find their polling place, and stay updated for future elections.
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Ava Edwards at ava@couriernewsroom.com. Please send details at least one week before the event.
