Government Relations: GROW - Government Advocacy
PMA Grassroots Employer Toolkit - Voter Registration Drives
Voter drives serve two main purposes: first, they make our democracy better by encouraging people to vote and signing them up to do so. Second, and most important, they help the sponsoring organization spread the word about issues that matter. When your business hosts a voting drive, you are helping employees understand that they have a voice in policy decisions. You also might just be able to improve voter turn-out -- especially in favor of produce-friendly candidates. The following resources should help:
Tips for hosting a voter registration drive
Draft promotional flyer
Draft promotional e-mail
Links for voter registration
- Download a PDF of the National Voter Registration form and instructions for each state. Be sure to review the specific instructions for your state. If you have any questions, check with your local board of elections.
- You can also register to vote online through the PMA Advocacy Action Center
FAQs about voting from the League of Women Voters (this link will take you to the LWV site, where your questions about voting will be answered.)
PDF version of the LWV voting questions (you may download and print this document for purposes of sharing with others!)
Tips for hosting a voter registration drive
- Decide on a venue and audience: The first thing you want to do is figure out who you want to reach out to. You might consider starting with a smaller drive at the office, and then think about doing something more comprehensive in concert with another local business (like a grocery store) or community center. You might also want to keep an eye out for local fairs
- Coordinate with local groups: Your local League of Women Voters can offer tremendous assistance and resources in putting together a successful drive. They also may be able to assist you in finding out about local community events where a drive might gain the most attention.
- For an effective campaign, ask employees who have expressed a willingness to participate to sit at tables in high traffic areas. Remember that you may need to obtain a permit or permission from the owner to access certain areas.
- Make sure to have the necessary registration forms, plenty of pens, and a box for the completed information. Depending on the community, you may want to have materials in different languages.
- Have materials on produce-related issues available to educate the community.
- Submit the completed forms to the appropriate government agency.
- Remember that you're not there to sign people up for a particular party.
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