2014 Congressional Elections Elections Matter Booklet | Page 11

Encourage All People to Register and Vote Many barriers may prevent a low-income individual, new citizen, young person, or other potential first-time voter from participating in elections. We can help people feel more at ease and fully engaged in this civic responsibility. Recruit a Group of Friends, Determine Your Target Audience, and Seek Partners • Form a group with other interested people. • Decide which specific underrepresented group you wish to approach. • Consider partnering with other groups, such as soup kitchens, homeless shelters, immigrant groups, social service organizations, inner-city churches, and ethnic congregations to reach out to these communities. Seek Input from the People You Are Trying to Encourage Your partner groups can plan meetings with people you have targeted for encouragement and assistance. This will allow you to identify specific barriers that often prevent people from voting. You may hear people say the following: • I don’t know how to register to vote. • I need transportation or someone to watch my children on Election Day. 11 iStock photo