Registering Voters
Why We Do It
What you (and do not) need to complete
First and foremost: We work on campaigns because we believe in civic change through the democratic process.
But more pragmatically: Registering voters who are interested in our cause helps our cause. Putting pressure on elected officials helps, but so would having reasonable elected officials who already care about the environment.
And ultimately, it's another touch. It's another chance to connect with a potential volunteer: by the time they've signed a comment and registered to vote, they've participated in two actions with us.
The above reasons are also why it's so important that we do it right.
- The boxes at the top must be checked
- Driver's license number is preferred to last four of the SSN
- Don't worry about 30 days of residency
- ALWAYS ask for the phone number
- The map section is useless and demeaning - don't use it
- Be sure you get the signature and date!
- PRO-TIP: Highlight forms in advance
VR "Do's"
Questions
- Ask everyone that you see
- Offer to fill out the form if they are in a hurry
- Carry more than one clipboard (and BLACK or BLUE pens)
VR "DON'T'S"
- NEVER exchange goods or services for a VR
- Don't advocate for a particular Party
- Don't hold on to forms for more than 24 hours
- Don't use photo-copies of VR forms for registration
- Don't register voters over the phone or online
Did you know?
North Carolina VR and Voting Facts
You may interact with voters or volunteers who have registered voters in North Carolina in the past, but it's important to be familiar with the new laws in case they are not.
- Convicted felons can register if their sentence is complete
- People can no longer one-stop early vote: this increases our responsibility to register as many voters as possible.
- Early voting has been shortened by one week
- The photo voter ID law will not take effect until 2016
- 17 year olds can register to vote if they will be 18 by the November election.
- Those most impacted include students, minorities, and the elderly (voters who are most likely to agree with us)
- The new photo ID law will not take effect until 2016
- Local polling places began asking voters if they have ID in 2014
Voter Registration in NC
The Importance, the How-To, the Do's, and Dont's