As an official supporter of the seventh annual National Voter Registration Day on September 24, 2019, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is proud to support registration advocates around the nation to ensure that all eligible Americans have the opportunity to cast their ballot this year or in 2020. And while it’s great to have those of us based in Washington, DC backing this important initiative, it’s far more important for all of you to think about what you can do to lend a hand later this month.
In the lead-up to National Voter Registration Day, hundreds of events will take place across the nation as volunteers and organizations come together to educate potential voters and those who are already registered to vote about the importance of participating and keeping your registration current. According to official organizers, in 2018, more than 800,000 voters used National Voter Registration Day to register to vote. The initiative had 4,087 partners and 22,641 volunteers and staff made that impressive feat possible. This year, you could be a part of that success, and I hope you’ll consider doing so.
Here are some links that you may find useful as you consider ways to participate:
- Find an official National Voter Registration Day event near you(opens in new tab) or host an event(opens in new tab): Are you not quite sure where to volunteer or do you have an idea about how to help register voters in your neighborhood? These links will connect you with up-to-date information about official events near you and put you in touch with those coordinating efforts at the national level.
- View the online Partner Tools(opens in new tab): The National Voter Registration Day initiative has a wealth of online tools available available to assist those wishing to help others register to vote on September 24. From training webinars, registration drive rule information, and Voter ID wallet cards to stickers, posters, and social media materials, this page provides easy-to-use products designed to ensure a successful effort on September 24.
- Register to vote or check your existing voter registration(opens in new tab): Action starts at home! As you prepare to help others register to vote, please take a moment to check your own voter registration or register to vote for the first time.
And while these resources can help all of us participate in National Voter Registration Day, election officials should view this day as a particularly unique opportunity to engage new voters before the rush of last-minute registration deadlines. I encourage election offices to participate and sponsor voter registration events, as well as use this day to encourage registered voters to verify that their registration is up to date ahead of upcoming elections. These efforts will help to establish more accurate voter lists that can improve the Election Day experience for both election works and voters.
The EAC is hoping the 2019 National Voter Registration Day is the most successful event yet, but we know it will take a lot of volunteers and coordination to make that happen. Please consider how you can join in the fun and help your neighbors and friends fully participate in our democracy.