READY, SET, REGISTER N ONPROFIT V OTER R EGISTRATION Presented by

ABOUT US About Nonprofit VOTE partners with America’s nonprofits to help the people server participate and vote. We are a hub for nonpartisan voter engagement resources for the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit VOTE is a partner of the National Association of Secretaries of State for the nonprofit sector. Find more about our mission and partners on our website:

TODAY’S PRESENTERS Who Julian Johannesen Director of Research and Training Nonprofit VOTE Rebecca Gorrell Program Director Colorado Participation Project

AGENDA Agenda Why Voter Registration & Why Nonprofits Nonpartisan Guidelines Making a Plan Doing Voter Registration

In 2012… –220 million Americans were eligible to vote –51 million were not registered –24 million needed to update their address* * Pew_Upgrading_Voter_Registration.pdf THE OPPORTUNITY Preparing For 2012

Registered voters vote! Especially in high profile elections like presidential elections, when 9 in 10 registered voters will vote Voter registration is the first step on the road to becoming an active and engaged voter Registered voters are more likely to join neighborhood activities, contact elected officials and be active citizens* * and-non-registered-eligible-citizens WHY VOTER REGISTRATION Why Voter Registration

Longer term benefits to your organizations and your community: Get the Attention of Candidates Build Community Clout Foster Community-Based Leadership WHY VOTER REGISTRATION (CONTINUED) Why Voter Registration

In our recent report “Can Nonprofits Increase Voting,”* we show that when nonprofits help their clients and constituents to register to vote: Clients defy expectations to turn out at a higher rate than those in the general public: 74% vs. 68% Disparities in turnout by race/ethnicity, age, and income are reduced or eliminated. * turnout.html WHY NONPROFITS Why Voter Registration

NONPARTISAN GUIDELINES Nonpartisan Guidelines

THE BASIC GUIDELINE A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization MAY NOT support or oppose a candidate for public office. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations MAY engage in nonpartisan: Voter Registration Voter Education Get Out The Vote Efforts Nonpartisan Guidelines

When registering someone to vote: You may not suggest that they join a particular political party You may explain the consequences of registering without party affiliation You may direct people to the internet or other resources to learn more about the parties GUIDELINES FOR VOTER REGISTRATION Nonpartisan Guidelines

Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (aka “Motor Voter”) requires states to designate agencies offering the following services as voter registration sites: SNAP, Medicaid, SCHIP, WIC, and TANF The NVRA also requires that states designate some other agencies as voter registration sites, namely: State-funded programs for people with disabilities THE NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT Nonpartisan Guidelines

In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, on October 1 st 2013 many community health centers and other social service agencies will begin: Enrolling clients in new, government subsidized health care plans, available through state or federal Health Exchanges. Enrolling clients in Medicaid, in many states under expanded Medicaid coverage. THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Nonpartisan Guidelines

In some states, organizations assisting with enrollment will be required by the NVRA to offer clients the opportunity to register to vote at time of enrollment. Whether you’re required to or not, the ACA offers an incredible opportunity to help register tens of millions of people, during the enrollment period. NVRA AND ACA ENROLLMENT Nonpartisan Guidelines

MAKING A PLAN Making a Plan Getting Started Knowing the Rules

Voter registration is an important service –Many of your clients will need to update their registration often, but at the same time, have few opportunities to do so. Promote voter registration –Use your communications, events, classes to announce the voter registration deadline, etc. Conduct a voter registration activity –Set up a table in your lobby, do voter registration as part of services, trainings or events GETTING STARTED Making a Plan

What to expect when starting out: –Updating an address on a registration is just as important as registering for the first time –Be prepared if someone tells you they are already registered. This is why it is useful to combine registration with other activities like promoting your services or an event. GETTING STARTED (CONTINUED) Making a Plan

When planning your efforts keep the following in mind: –Designate a staff person to take the lead –Gain buy-in from the executive director and staff –Target types of activities and when and where –Connect with your local elections officials GETTING STARTED (CONTINUED) Making a Plan

Voter registration deadline –EDR Voter registration eligibility requirements –People with a past felony conviction –Age Pre-registration KNOWING THE RULES Making a Plan

People experiencing homelessness Survivors of domestic violence SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Making a Plan

DOING VOTER REGISTRATION When and Where to Do It Getting and Returning Forms Training Staff and Volunteers Promoting Your Efforts Doing Voter Reg

Registration Drive: Conduct registration over a week or a month Single Day: Focus on a single day, like a weekend or special event Closer to the Deadline is Better: The best time to do voter registration is in the couple of months leading up to the registration deadline in your state. WHEN TO DO VOTER REGISTRATION Doing Voter Reg

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY

At your agency : –As a part of services: Integrated into intake or other interactions with constituents –Tabling: In your lobby WHERE TO DO VOTER REGISTRATION Doing Voter Reg

Outside your agency: –At events: A citizenship ceremony, a community festival –In your neighborhood: A highly trafficked location like a transit stop or shopping area WHERE TO DO VOTER REGISTRATION NOTE: Door-to-door canvassing is not always effective when registering voters. Doing Voter Reg

Getting voter registration forms –Local elections office Returning voter registration forms –Turnaround time –Retaining information for GOTV GETTING AND RETURNING FORMS Doing Voter Reg

Provide training for staff and volunteers on: –Answering frequently asked questions about the voting –Answering questions about the voter registration form –Filling out the voter registration form TRAINING STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS Doing Voter Reg

Frequently missed items –Eligibility check boxes –ID number –Date of birth –Party affiliation –Signature and date HELPING COMPLETE THE FORM Doing Voter Reg

Create a display in your agency using signs, posters, decorations When interacting with clients, let them know they can register to vote in your agency! Use your communications like your website and newsletter PROMOTING VOTER REGISTRATION Promote!

Factsheets, Guides, Toolkits and more available at RESOURCES Resources

MORE RESOURCES Resources

VOTE (8683) Nonprofit VOTE 89 South Street Suite 203 Boston, MA Rebecca Gorrell Julian Johannesen