Step-by-Step Guide On Holding A Voter Registration Drive

Preparation For Voting Registration Drive:*

• Gather a reliable core team. Gather two to four members of the community to help coordinate the drive.
• Choose the date, time, and location of the event. Eid prayers, festivals and Jumaah prayers are excellent opportunities. Clear your event with those in charge of the location. Make sure that the timing is convenient and fits into the normal schedule of the community. It is always recommended that you keep in mind that you are serving your community: make registering to vote easy for them. Do not expect them to come to you.
• Gather materials for the drive. State by state material is included in this packet for some states. You may call or visit your state election office for additional materials to be used in your voter drives. The rules change from state to state. Perform an internet search for “state board of elections” along with your state’s name, or simply look up the phone number. Make sure that you request enough registration materials.
• Get the answers to some basic questions. The following questions are common from people registering to vote, ask the Elections Board representative for the answers: Who can register to vote in the state? Do I have to register by political party? Do I have to reregister if I move? When is the latest I can register for the next election? Do I have to re-register for each election? Where do I vote? When can I expect my voter registration card to arrive?
• Inform the community about the drive. Announce it in advance, perhaps by posting fliers in local masjid. Ask your masjid to announce the drive at Jumaah prayers. Call everyone you have in your e-mail and cell phone contact lists and ask them to commit to calling five other people to invite them to register during your drive. Some sample posters are included in the packet. Go to AIGA Voting Posters for more designs.
• Don’t be Shy. Approach people and ask if they are registered to vote. Call attention to your effort. At the very least you will need: pens, clipboards and signs announcing that people can register to vote. It will help to have a placard which is 6 to 7 feet higher so people can easily see it as they are leaving after juma.
• Keep track of how many voters you have registered. Please e-mail media@muslimdemocrats.com and tell us how your drive went (What worked? What did not? What advice would you give others? Your experience will benefit future drives) and how many voters you registered. Also email pictures of the drive.
• Return the completed forms. Completed voter registration forms should be sent or dropped off at your state election office. Mail all forms to the appropriate board of elections office on the same day.

Checklist for Materials You Need at the Drive:

• Volunteers
• At least 50 copies of voter registration forms duplicated from what we are enclosing
• Lots of pens
• Stamps- if voter does not want you to mail form, you can let them buy the stamp.
• Copier- for 1st time voters who need to copy some form of an ID
• Paper for printer (around 50 sheets)
• A large manila envelope to place completed voter registration forms into for mailing
• At least one table
• Signs to advertise the voter registration drive.
• Another sign that says, “Our voter registration services are available without regard to voter’s political preference.”

At The Drive:

• Ideally set up two or three tables.
• While some volunteers are helping registrants at the table, other volunteers- can work as recruiters e.g. ask passerby, “Salam, are you registered to vote?”
• If not direct them to the table to register
• Be sure registrant fills out the form according properly.
• Take a picture of the registration table to put on the mosque website or send picture to media@muslimdemocrats. net

Registration Drive Don’ts

• Do not endorse, campaign for, or fundraise for a party or candidate –remember voter registration drives must be non-partisan; FEC requires that a sign be posted or a written notice be available to registrants that state “Our voter registration services are available without regard to voter’s political preference.”
• Do not withhold completed forms – esp past the Voter Registration deadlines- It is a Class I Misdemeanor
• Do not sell or use registrants personal information in any form
• Do not force registrants to return completed form to you- they have the option of mailing the forms themselves

For Students Check The Following Items:

• The student indicates the address you want to register to vote
• That address of registration may be different from you current mailing address at the school See the FAQ for more information on this.
• Make sure the birth date is indicated (make sure it is not today’s date)
• Make sure ID info is complete and correct
• Registration form is signed
• Do not fill out form in pencil
• Address where you live”- should be filled out for students who have mailbox numbers that are not their physical room numbers
• Provide correct phone# - need just in case board of election has questions about registrant’s information

FAQ

• Q: I’m not 18. Can I register to vote? A: The answer depends on the state.
• Q: Can I vote even if I am a convicted felon? A: Yes, in some states (e.g. Virginia) once a convicted felon has serve his/her time they can petition to have their voting rights reinstated. (at drive they must have form in order to registrar)
• Q: Can I register in both my home state and the state where I go to school? A: No, you must choose only one state where you will register
• Q: Where would it be better for me to vote? A: It is up to the registrant. If you are interested in the politics of your home state, then you should register there (but you must remember to request an absentee ballot!) If not, registering in your school state could be more convenient. (Also if your financial aid is dependent on your state residency status then you should register with your home address.)