National Voter Registration Day is Critical, Especially for Communities of Color

When I turned 18 on the last day of voter registration for the 1988 U.S. general election, I remember being excited to make my voice heard. I knew that my vote could create change in my community, and that I was a part of something larger than myself. Since then, I’ve treated voting with a certain level of reverence, proudly wearing my “I Voted” sticker after each election.??

Voting is the foundation of democracy and a critical piece of a fully civically engaged life. That’s why National Voter Registration Day, taking place on Sept. 19, is so important. Voting is one of the important actions people can take to impact the future of their communities and countries.??

Why Voting Matters?

It’s essential for a vibrant democracy that ALL of us are empowered and engaged in our communities. Individuals who vote are more likely to participate in other ways, too. Pew Research found 53% of adults who reported voting in the 2020 U.S. general election said they engaged in at least one other political activity in the six months prior.??

At Points of Light, we believe when people are taking more than one civic action, they can accelerate change. This idea is the basis for Points of Light’s Civic Circle?, a framework that represents actions people can take to advance causes they care about.?

If we know that people who vote are people who become more engaged, then ensuring people’s right to vote means we are paving a path to create more vibrant, participatory societies.??

Barriers to Voter Equity?

Our country needs everyone’s engagement in democracy, and we also recognize there are challenges people face to voting. Unfortunately, these barriers often disproportionately affect communities of color.?

Pew Research shows that while 43% of white eligible voters voted in all three of the past elections (2018, 2020, 2022) the numbers fell sharply in different ethnic groups. Only 27% of Black eligible voters voted in all three elections, while only 21% of Asian and 19% of Hispanic eligible voters voted in all three.??

Increasing voter equity must become a priority as the population's demographics shift. By 2028, Millennials and Gen Z, two of the most diverse generations to date, will make up over half the U.S. voting population. By 2026, Gen Z will be the first majority nonwhite generation in American history.?

https://www.pointsoflight.org/research/It is crucial that each eligible voter has access to vote, so our democracy is able to thrive.?

Voting Leads to Vibrant Communities??

Imagine a deeply engaged community. One where everyone can use their unique talents to uplift the good in themselves and others. Neighbors helping neighbors; volunteers creating programs that meet community member's needs; engaged local government and thriving small businesses.?

These vibrant communities are a microcosm of a strong democracy and an indication of our civic health. The Civic Circle? framework provides a way for individuals and organizations to create these resilient communities, meeting people where they are to invite them to get involved.??

The work of democracy is an ongoing, constant effort to ensure that people have faith in it and are engaged in it. Here are five ways to ensure equity in voting access and deeper community engagement.?

• On National Voter Registration Day, register yourself and everyone you know to vote. Go to National Voter Registration Day’s website or Vote.org to register. ? ?
• Become a poll worker. This is a critical position to ensure there are enough people to run polling stations efficiently, support voters and ensure everyone is guaranteed their right to vote. ? ?
• Host a registration drive. The National Voter Registration Day website has all the tools and resources you need. Meet people in your community where they are; find a convenient location, work with volunteers to reach as many people as possible.? ?
• Learn more about Points of Light’s Civic Circle. This framework provides a roadmap of ways to further engage your community – from nonpartisan voting guides to ways they can use their voice for causes they care about.? ? ?

• Ensure paid time off for voting and poll workers. Making it easy for employees to vote removes a huge barrier to engagement. Work with your HR department to create policies that make it possible for every employee – from the CEO to the custodian – to cast their ballot.??

After the polls close, the work of capturing new opportunities for civic engagement begins. Points of Light can help you further engage employees, volunteers, community members and more to create the strong democracy we all want to see.??