026: Six Ways You Can Help People Actually Vote

If the U.S. voting population was represented by 10 people. In 2016, 3 voted for Trump. 3 voted for Hillary. And 4 didn’t vote. So, the nonvoters won. They chose “I don’t care”. If you do care, and especially if you care about the environment and you’re willing to work for change, let’s talk about voting. And specifically, how we can help get out the vote for the November 6 election. Discover six ways you can help people actually vote.   Green Team Academy Podcast with Joan Gregerson Episode 26   Time-stamped notes:   [1:00] In Australia, voting is mandatory. Voter turnout over 90%. [1:15] If 10 people represented all of the US eligible voters, in 2016 presidential election, 3 voted for Hillary, 3 voted for Trump and 4 didn’t vote. 1:45] Midterm election turnout is historically around 40%. [2:00] Have you seen the video with Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Rashida Jones talking about the Last Weekend? What could I have done after November 2016 election? Now we have another chance. [2:30] In this episode, six research-based strategies for getting the vote out. [2:45] Why? To stop rollbacks of environmental protections and have a government that really represents the people. [3:15] That’s what increasing voter turnout is all about. [3:30] 1. Believe you can make a difference. Increasing voter turnout isn’t easy. Don’t worry that your efforts will go to waste. Simple steps can increase the number of voters, and they rely on person-to-person interactions. [4:00] 2. Make sure that you’re ready to vote and that you have a plan Rock the Vote: check your voter registration status, register to vote and find out more about ballots and polling places. [4:20] 3. Set aside some time on the last weekend to volunteer. Organizers say that you can have the most impact on the last few days. Look at your calendar right now. Set aside some time to get out there. Saturday November 3 - Tuesday November 6. Easiest: Sign up with LastWeekend.org. You can help by canvassing (most effective), phone calls (great for reaching other areas), or help with writing, editing, social media or events. You choose.    [5:15]  4. Research and be a resource. Voting isn’t necessarily easy or straightforward. Visit RocktheVote and look up your state to dig in to details about what documentation is needed, regulations for convicted felons, voter registration deadlines, what to do if you’ve recently moved and if you can register the day of the election (as you can in Colorado!). [6:00] 5. Hold a house party. Have a voter registration party or election watch party to help your friends be voters. [6:30] 6. Have better conversations (five parts): Talk to people about voting. Tell them that voter turnout is expected to be high. Talk about what it means to them to “be a voter” (rather than just “voting”). <li style="font-weight: