I want to help register voters - need pointers

[electron_blue]

I live in Florida, so I think it could really make a difference. What is the best way to help increase the number of registered voters for my state? Do you have to join a group? Anyone else doing this?

[underpants]

1. Find a Hillary office or any Dem running for office

They will have clipboards and the required forms. Hit high congestion areas like parks. Make sure everyone knows what you are doing. The older folks wil make sure the younger ones register.

[brooklynite]

2. Some perspective as a former Ward Committeeman in PA...

...First, check the local rules. Some States require you to be "registered" in some way, but in most case, all you need is a table, a chair, some clipboards and pens, and a stack of registration forms (either from the Board of Elections or your local library). Park yourself in a place with good pedestrian traffic (street fairs, farmers market, etc.) and start pitching voter registration to the people walking by. Help them fill out the form (make sure to urge them to register as Democratic rather than Independent) and offer to deliver or mail the forms for them. It also doesn't hurt to write down their names to give a list of new voters to your local Party office.

[demwing]

3. St Pete Resident here -

1st - cross post this to the Florida Group, others in our state may have better ideas

2nd - find a candidate you support in your area, call them up and volunteer. Political progress starts locally.

[procon]

4. Yes, call the nearest Hillary campaign office and they will hook you up.

They will have a well trained staff who are already established in local communities and set up to do just what you're asking. They will have lots of options for you choose from and help you get trained in what works best for you. They will also know the laws in your state that apply to voter registration activities.

[TlalocW]

5. Usually

Tackling them from behind is the first step. Works for me at least.

TlalocW

[ffr]

6. And above all

you must turn in all registration forms regardless of party affiliation. Republicans who did this over the years have purged registering democrats. Not sure if they ever actually got in trouble for doing so. I know it made news.

I registered voters in 1988, just like brooklynite suggested. Funny, even back then the republicans who were registering said I would not turn in their forms. I thought, "how strange," and assured them I would. And I did turn in all forms, because that was my civic duty as an American. Maybe it's my democratic upbringing for standing up for what's right.

[WhiteTara]

7. The county clerk will have forms and you should get both

English and Spanish forms. I use a flat fedex box as a clipboard and hold them all in place with large rubber bands. You can use a regular clipboard but they are usually too short to hold the whole form. Work with each person and make sure they have dated and signed the form (the most common thing to leave off) Give them the little receipt at the bottom and then turn the completed forms into the count clerks office within 3 days (some states have a shorter time frame to turn them in- check with your county clerk's office)

I find post offices are fabulous, even on a Sunday. This is public property and there should be no issues with setting up there. I found that I needed 3 or 4 "boards" because once someone stops, more people will come around too. No one likes to wait, so that is why it's great to have some extra form boards available.

Some people use an ironing board so people have a writing surface, but for me the boards work just as well. You'll also need a few pens so there is no waiting. It's also helpful to be with each person to make sure they don't have questions on how to fill out the form. Make sure you know what each block is for, both the English and the Spanish version.

Good luck. For me, it is the most empowering thing you can do.

[TheBlackAdder]

8. Watch out, some states have laws that you must timely file, and other hoops to suppress doing this.

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Failure to do so opens you up to a misdemeanor or higher.


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[asiliveandbreathe]

9. If in AZ - here is your website -

http://www.azdem.org/


All you need to get started.....GOTV

Volunteer for phone bank, or voter registration through a team effort - you will be paired up, in safe locations...or work a phone bank with many like minded people....tons of fun.....

the people who manage the effort are knowledgeable, organized, friendly - very positive atmosphere...I was involved in AZ 2012..most rewarding....

[OldHippieChick]

10. Obviously check your local rules, but

in Colorado we worked through out County Dem organization. We were not allowed to tell folks who we were and simply registered anyone willing, but the county provides the forms and the forum. As an example, we set up a table outside the county library and asked everyone walking in if they were registered. We had no signs other than "register to vote". The forms are numbered and all must be returned by us. The voters were not allowed to take the forms themselves. They had to register in place. We were very successful and I couldn't even tell you the breakdown, but I seem to remember most registered as independents.

[Raissa]

11. In The Tampa area

the local offices are open and you can sign up for registration events. Within my county we have been having events daily. Just go to the office!