Happy National Voter Registration Day, Badgers! With the presidential election right around the corner, it’s crucial to have a plan for voting this fall—and that starts with being registered!
Check out these ten tips to encourage voter registration among your peers.
- Ensure they are knowledgeable about critical information: To confidently encourage someone to register, you need to be ready to answer any questions they might have. That’s why it’s a great idea to brush up on your voting knowledge. Visit vote.wisc.edu, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s go-to resource for everything voting-related. This site offers insights on voter eligibility, voter IDs, and voting options for out-of-state students. Get informed, and don’t forget to share this resource with anyone who could use it!
- Register to vote with trained poll workers: Campus will be flooded with third-party organizations that may not provide complete and accurate voter registration information, which could prolong the process. The Madison City Clerk’s Office will have trained poll workers registering students to vote and you can identify them with the blue and yellow buttons at voter registration events.
- In-person voter registration: The Madison City Clerk’s Office will be registering individuals throughout the months of September and October from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the dates and locations below:
- Sept. 17 to Oct. 15: Every Tuesday in the Red Gym
- Sept. 19 at Grainger Hall
- Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 at Engineering Hall
- Oct. 10 at Steenbock Library
- Oct. 15 at College Library
- Promote the voter ID card: Navigating Election Day can be much easier with the correct form of identification. Many students are surprised to learn that out–of-state driver’s licenses and Wiscards are not accepted as a valid voter ID. Fortunately, UW–Madison students can obtain a free plastic campus-issued voter ID card at the Wiscard office in Union South or at the Morgridge Center. Visit the office anytime Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to secure your voter ID and make your day at the polls stress-free.
- Host a voter registration party: This is the excuse you’ve been waiting for! Transform your space with vibrant voting-themed decorations, serve up some fun beverages and invite a spirited mix of friends, whether they are seasoned voters or new to civic engagement. Beyond the mingling, set up stations or booths with information on voter registration, eligibility requirements and voting procedures. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!
- Suggest a PowerPoint night: It’s youthful, it’s engaging and it’s the perfect opportunity to educate your peers about voter registration information. A PowerPoint night is an excellent way to socialize with your friends and present on a topic of interest. While your presentation doesn’t have to focus solely on voting, perhaps sneak it in at the end. What they don’t expect won’t hurt them.
- Rally your friends for Voterpalooza: It’s that exciting time of year! Voterpalooza is an energetic, nonpartisan event celebrating the importance of voting with live performances, informative resource tables and a welcoming community atmosphere—all completely free! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at The Sett for an event that’s as fun as it is important. If interested in learning more, reach out to info@morgridge.wisc.edu.
- Attend the Education for Democracy Panel: The Morgridge Center and the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies is hosting a thought-provoking panel focused on the role of higher education in supporting democracy and how our institutions can prepare students to be informed and engaged citizens. The panel will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature a diverse group of scholars who will share their research and teaching insights, while reflecting on the role of higher education in a democratic society. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain a new perspective on the intersection of education and civic engagement. For more information about the speakers and registration for the event, please visit here.
- Create eye-catching social media posts: Stop being humble and show off your Canva skills! Craft an aesthetic and informative graphic to catch people’s attention and boost registration rates. Never underestimate the power of a well-designed post; it can expand your reach and connect with audiences you might not have expected.
- Tell your friends that registering to vote is demure–cutesy even: The Gen Zers will understand.