The stakes couldn’t be higher in the 2024 elections. Every vote matters, every voice matters, and our Unitarian Universalist principles call upon us to vote and to support every eligible person’s ability to vote.

This page contains useful information to support the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) activities of your group or organization.

Voter Registration

Every state — except for North Dakota — requires citizens to register if they want to vote. Registration deadlines can be as much as a month before an election. Those who have moved since they’ve last voted need to change their registration, even if still living in the same polling district. Those who have moved permanently to a new state will need to register in that state.

Here is some information to get started.

• What you need to know about voter registration
• Encouraging historically low-turnout voters to register & vote

Candidates Forum

Participating in public forums with candidates is a great way to get their views on the record and engage them on social justice issues from a faith-based perspective. The following information can help you get started.

• Getting Candidates on the Record: UUSJ Guide to UU Questions for Candidates 2020
• Finding Candidate Forums: Check with your local League of Women Voters

Voter Education

People often need information about voting responsibly in their area. Help them understand the voting process, learn about current ballot issues and provide information on candidates’ positions. Find more information below on:

• Individual voting processes
  – Voting policies
  – Early voting
  – Absentee voting
  – State deadlines and important dates
  – Primary dates
  – Polling places and ballots for each district
  – IDs needed for voting
• Candidates
  – Know your candidates
  – Congressional voting record
  – Candidate forums: Check local League of Women Voters
• Issues
  – UU perspective on social justice issues
  – State ballot initiatives
• Writing letters to the editor about issues and encouraging voting

Encourage People to Vote 

We can encourage people to make their voices heard by voting. We can provide critical information such as voter registration rules, deadlines, and procedures for absentee voting. Here are a few ways to help.

• Sign up for Election Reminders
• Locate partners for canvassing door-to-door, making calls (phone banking) or sending texts encouraging people in historically low-turnout areas to vote
• Provide information about ballot initiatives
• Share the Voters Guide (local candidates and initiatives)
• Give rides to the polls on Election Day. Partner with AARP chapters, other churches, and county election officials
• Work or volunteer at the polls. Contact your local Board of Elections
• Report any voting violations or concerns to legal counsel at the Election Protection Coalition by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE