Moreover, as Littman says, these elections are often very close. “Races can be decided by one vote, 10 votes, or dozens of votes,” she explains. “The difference is so small that it could be the difference between winning and losing if you stay home.”
What’s the first step? Find out who’s on your ballot by reading your local newspaper, searching on Google, or using our automatic sample ballot generator. like this. You can direct them to sites that show where candidates stand on issues you really care about. Next, Littman suggests contacting the desired candidate’s office directly to see what types of volunteer opportunities are available. She points out that if you’re not at all comfortable calling strangers or randomly ringing their doorbell to talk about political issues, that’s perfectly fine. “You may need help stuffing envelopes, taking down yard signs, cleaning field office restrooms, or preparing refreshments at an event,” Littman explains. “As a volunteer, you are one of their most valuable resources.”
Consider devoting your time to organizations that protect democracy in general.
You can also work with specific groups, rather than candidates, that encourage people to vote or help keep the democratic process smooth and fair. This includes: Rock the Vote; people’s freedom of speecha nonprofit voting rights advocacy group. and election protectiona nonprofit organization that fights voter suppression by providing a hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) for people to ask questions about registration deadlines, absentee or mail-in ballot requests, and more. Baker said she once used the service on election day when a poll worker told her she wasn’t registered. Election Protection quickly discovered it. She was just in the wrong place. And don’t worry if you don’t feel politically savvy enough to be this kind of resource. Baker says: “You don’t need a PhD in political science. You don’t need a PhD in political science.” They help train you. ” (here it is How to volunteer!) Baker said poll workers on Election Day are also an influential role. Here’s how to do it sign up.
Donating your time or money to your local political party branch rather than the national party (more on this later, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a lot of money!) is also a great option, Baker says. “We want to give money to local chapters that are actually delivering yard signs to people and handing out bagels to poll workers who work all day,” she explains. “It’s the local chapters that buy the water bottles, not the national party.”
If you can, please make a micro-donation at a local level.
You don’t need to empty your savings account, but a small amount of money, perhaps the cost of your morning cup of coffee, can actually go a long way in local horse races, Littman says. “For $5 or $10, you could be one of their biggest donors,” she says. “It’s very important for state and local candidates to do everything you can.”
Baker makes a similar point, but with a slight twist, using the example of local and national chapters of political parties. “If you’re an abortion rights voter, are there any counties or states that can really help you with that particular issue?” Baker said. Basically, if you live in an area where your race is sure to change your direction significantly, donating your time or money to a race in another state that needs help is not a bad idea. No, she explains.
Take on the role of a social media influencer.
“I used to be the kind of person who would interact with everyone in the comments section, but I found myself spending a lot of energy on people who were sometimes intentionally trying to mislead me.” Baker says.
