This year more than any other
At HumansWrite, we’re all about using our words (and helping others use theirs) for the greater good—and we firmly believe that our vote is our voice. This year is a critical election year (aren’t they all?) But, seriously, democracy is on the ballot this year as never before!
Many folks are declaring their political allegiances and favorite candidates—and just as many are announcing their potential abstentions. What’s clear is that we’re a country in crisis. We all know the issues at stake—the economy, abortion rights, immigration, climate change, foreign aid, freedom of speech, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Plus, the U.S. Constitution and our democracy itself. Those elected this year at every level of government will chart the course on crucial policy decisions affecting all Americans for years to come.
The most fundamental right U.S. citizens enjoy—the right to vote—is under attack. While that’s not new, the attacks are increasingly insidious and widespread. That’s why we have to work harder than ever in 2024 to vote and help get out the vote by encouraging others to vote, too. Voting is OUR fundamental right and, frankly, our civic duty. By voting, we have a voice in choosing our representatives and shaping the very policies that will impact our daily lives. When we choose not to exercise our right to vote, we cede the power of self-governance to others—the very core concept upon which our country and democracy were founded.
Voter participation rates have a serious impact on how (or if) our democracy functions. In a close election, every vote can make a difference. We’ve seen this firsthand in the past.
Folks choosing not to vote empower a motivated minority of the population to make decisions for the entire country, as well as your state, county, and local community. Higher voter turnout means truer representation at all levels of government and helps ensure the elected officials represent the will of the majority. We urge you to use your voice at the ballot box.
Beyond voting, consider getting involved in postcard campaigns. These are fun, easy ways to help turn out voters in key states. One of the best organizations gathering people to do this work is Vote Forward. Another group, Reclaim Our Vote, focuses on sending postcards to voters of color in swing states. The Progressive Turnout Project focuses on voters in swing states, too.
We’ve got a list of more options below.
We’ve also got to fight for voting rights, which is shocking to some people, perhaps, but it’s true. You can learn more about strengthening and securing voting rights in America and help fight for voting rights across the land today. See below for more organizations like these that you can work with to make a difference.
If you think your neighbors aren’t registered to vote yet, you can help make it easier for them by starting with the National Mail Voter Registration Form. Talk about your experience with voting, and why it’s so important this year, and every election, and you’ll likely encourage others to do the same.
No matter what you do or how you do it, we urge you to help ensure that our democracy survives. We’re almost at 250 years, folks. Let’s keep this revolution going.
Below are some resources to help you make a difference in this critical year.
Write to voters
Put your words to work for our democracy through one of the following voter postcard writing programs to increase registration and turnout, or check your local or state political organization to see if they have a program in place.
Activate America: This organization focuses on postcard writing campaigns to drive turnout to support specific, at-risk races in key states.
Postcards to Voters: This volunteer-run program coordinates handwritten postcards or letters to targeted voters, primarily focused on flipping key districts or mobilizing demographics with low historical turnout.
Postcards to Swing States: This Turnout PAC initiative will send you free postcards that you can use to write to voters in swing states. Only a few states will decide the future of our country this year, and if you don’t live in one, this is your best way to help reach those who do.
Swing Left: This national grassroots network has a “Vote Forward” program to help local teams organize postcard- and letter-writing initiatives to drive turnout for progressive candidates in swing districts.
VoteForward: As mentioned above, this nonpartisan nonprofit organizes volunteers to handwrite letters and postcards to potential voters, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Other orgs you can work with to GOTV
All Voting is Local: This non-partisan organization is devoted to defending the vote in key states. Their mission statement says it all: “When we unite to demand our freedom to vote, we are a resounding and irrepressible force.”
League of Women Voters: This famous institution was founded in 1920, six months before the 19th Amendment was passed to give women the vote. The LWV’s local chapters move the needle at the community level, while the national organization focuses on voting rights and voter awareness through debates, nonpartisan voter guides, candidate questionnaires, op-eds, and more. Click the Take Action button to help.
Rock the Vote: This youth-focused GOTV org gets boots on the ground to register voters and more. They’ve got plenty of ways you can make a difference.
VoteRiders: This nonpartisan nonprofit has a wealth of information you can share with others, including voter guides, fact sheets, website content, and other materials breaking down voter ID requirements state-by-state. Their volunteer page also features ways you can help.
When We All Vote: This nonpartisan group, founded by Michelle Obama, offers various ways to get involved, including their Texting with Voters program for voter outreach.
No matter how you engage, just do it. Use your words, your voice, your passion, and your purpose to persuade and inspire others to help preserve our democracy for years to come.
The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool that we have in a democratic society. It’s precious. It’s almost sacred. We have to use it. If not, we will lose it. —Rep. John Lewis
More inspiration to guide your efforts
Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world. —Sharon Salzberg
Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. —George Jean Nathan
If we don’t vote, we are ignoring history and giving away the future. —Pat Mitchell
When we vote, we take back our power to choose, to speak up, and to stand with those who support us and each other. —Loung Ung
You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. That’s it; that's the way we move forward. —Michelle Obama
Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls. —Peggy Noonan
Every election is determined by the people who show up. —Larry J Sabato
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