‘Understand the Process’ Toolkit

• Collaborate with your local election officials! Team up with your local elections office to bring transparency to the voting process. From sharing direct-from-the-source information about the election process to debunking common voting myths, establishing a relationship with your local election officials will help the community you serve trust the electoral process
• Host a mock election! Conduct mock elections to show the voting process in a hands-on manner. Use these events to explain vote tabulation and the security protocols in place.
• Integrate poll worker recruitment into your events! Check out resources from our friends Power the Polls. Consider collaborating with existing poll workers who can share their experience and encourage others to join them.
• Post on social media! Launch a social media campaign with infographics, videos, and posts explaining various aspects of the electoral process. Create PSAs featuring trusted community leaders and election officials. Focus on messages about the importance of voting, how to vote, and how votes are counted.
• Put on an election film festival! Host screenings of movies or documentaries about the election process. Encourage community members and local election officials to join in a Q&A following the screening. Some movies you could screen:
  • No Time to Fail about election administrators in 2020
  • The Officials tells a story of US election officials in rural and urban jurisdictions of four battleground states hold the line against organized efforts to undermine their work as they prepare for the contentious 2024 contest.

• Today’s goals are to add transparency and cultivate trust in the electoral system ahead of an election, and to understand how to combat mistrust and disinformation that might be elevated ahead of an election. 
  
• Understanding the voting process in the United States involves recognizing the diversity of election laws and procedures across states. Each state has the autonomy to establish its own election laws, including when, where, and how people can vote. This results in over 10,000 election jurisdictions nationwide, with local variations adding complexity to the electoral landscape.
  
• Our elections depend on the people who administer them. Election workers are nonpartisan public servants who are passionate about elections and voters – not candidates. Their work is nonpartisan, transparent, and accountable to the public. By building trust in the electoral process, we can support their vital mission and work while combating the misinformation that seeks to undermine it. 
  
• Election result timelines vary by state and are influenced by various laws and procedures. While unofficial results may be reported on Election Night, final results may take weeks. Factors like mail-in ballot processing affect timelines. States have specific deadlines for certifying results, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
  
• During elections, misinformation can spread online rapidly. Rely on trusted, nonpartisan sources like state and local election officials. Verify information before sharing, prioritizing official sources.
  
• Support democracy by becoming a poll worker, ensuring smooth voting experiences and earning extra income. Check local poll worker applications for opportunities.

We’ve registered. We’ve researched our ballot. We’ve made a plan to vote. But what happens after we cast our ballot? And how can we be so sure our ballot will be counted accurately? We’ve got answers! In partnership with National Voter Education Week, we want to make sure everyone in our community understands the electoral process. 

Head over to NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process and explore the resources available for voters to dive deeper into what happens to votes after you cast them!

Here are some things you can learn about today to help better understand the electoral process in your state: 

• ✅ Understand your state’s voting laws – explore trusted resources like your state election office or local officials to get the facts.
• ✅ Learn how ballots are counted! Read up on your local election officials’ process for counting ballots and find where you can track your own ballot.
• ✅ Who are election workers? Find out who staffs your polling place and local election offices, and learn how you can become a poll worker!

The more we all know about the process, the more confident we all feel in our elections!

 Hey [Name or your preferred salutation],

We’ve done so much this National Voter Education Week to ensure we are prepared to fill out our ballots. But what happens after we send it off? Well, today’s day of action is all about understanding the electoral process! The goal of today’s actions are to add transparency and cultivate trust in the electoral system ahead of an election, and to understand how to combat mistrust and disinformation that might be elevated ahead of an election.

Head over to NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process and explore the resources available for voters to dive deeper into what happens to their votes after you cast them! Not every ballot is cast in the same way. By understanding the various ways we can vote, and how those votes are counted, we are taking one step closer to becoming confident voters, and contributing to building overall trust for the officials and institutions that count our votes. 

Here are some things you can learn about today to help better understand the electoral process in your state: 

• Understand your state’s voting laws! Explore trusted resources like your state election office or local officials to get the facts.
• Learn how ballots are counted! Read up on your local election officials’ process for counting ballots and find where you can track your own ballot.
• Who are election workers? Find out who staffs your polling place and local election offices, and learn how you can become a poll worker!

Whether you’re casting your ballot in-person or by mail, you’ve just taken one of the most crucial steps to becoming a well-rounded and confident voter. Continue debunking and combatting election misinformation by sharing what you’ve learned today with your friends and family! The more we all know about the process, the more confident we all become in our elections. 

• Interested in learning more about how the voting process works? Explore trusted resources like your state election office or local officials to get the facts. Let’s empower ourselves to vote confidently! Get the facts NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process #NationalVoterEducationWeek 
  
• Ever wondered how ballots are counted? National Voter Education Week is the perfect time to learn! From ballot security to transparency, every step ensures your vote is counted fairly. Stay informed with reliable resources at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process #NationalVoterEducationWeek 
  
• Our elections depend on dedicated election workers—nonpartisan public servants committed to ensuring fair and transparent elections. This #NationalVoterEducationWeek, let’s support their crucial mission and build trust in our electoral process. NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process
  
• Concerned about election misinformation? This #NationalVoterEducationWeek,  make sure to rely on trusted sources. Follow @NASSorg and your local election office for accurate updates and bust those myths! Learn more: NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
  
• Don’t fall for election myths! This #NationalVoterEducationWeek fact-check with trusted sources like @NASSorg and your local election office.  Learn more: NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
  
• 📢 During elections, misinformation spreads fast online. Trust official sources like state and local election officials. Verify information before sharing to combat misinformation effectively.  Learn more: NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
  
• Make a difference this #NationalVoterEducationWeek and get paid while doing it! Sign up to be a poll worker and be part of the team that keeps our democracy strong. NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
  
• 🙋‍♂️ Support democracy—become a poll worker! Ensure smooth voting and earn extra income. Sign up now! NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process

Spanish Social Media Copy

• ¿Interesado en aprender más sobre cómo funciona el proceso de votación? Explore recursos confiables, como la oficina electoral de su estado o funcionarios locales, para conocer los hechos. ¡Vamos a empoderarnos para votar con confianza! Conozca las verdades en NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process #NationalVoterEducationWeek
• ¿Alguna vez te has preguntado cómo se cuentan los votos? ¡La Semana Nacional de Educación Electoral es el momento perfecto para aprender! Desde la seguridad de las boletas hasta la transparencia, cada paso garantiza que su voto se cuente de manera justa. Manténgase informado con recursos confiables en NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process #NationalVoterEducationWeek
• Nuestras elecciones dependen de trabajadores electorales dedicados: servidores públicos no partidistas comprometidos a garantizar elecciones justas y transparentes. En esta #NationalVoterEducationWeek apoyemos su misión crucial y generemos confianza en nuestro proceso electoral. NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process
• ¿Preocupado por la desinformación electoral? En esta #NationalVoterEducationWeek asegúrese de confiar en fuentes confiables. ¡Siga a @NASSorg y a su oficina electoral local para obtener actualizaciones precisas y acabar con esos mitos! Obtenga más información en NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
• ¡No caigas en los mitos electorales! Esta #NationalVoterEducationWeek verifica los datos con fuentes confiables como @NASSorg y su oficina electoral local.  Obtenga más información: NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process
• 📢 Durante las elecciones, la información errónea se difunde rápidamente en línea. Confíe en fuentes oficiales, como funcionarios electorales estatales y locales. Verifique la información antes de compartirla para combatir la desinformación de manera efectiva.  Obtenga más información: NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
• ¡Haga la diferencia en esta #NationalVoterEducationWeek y gane dinero mientras lo hace! Regístrese para ser trabajador electoral y sea parte del equipo que mantiene fuerte nuestra democracia. NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
• 🙋‍♂️ Apoye la democracia: ¡conviértase en trabajador electoral! Garantice una votación fluida y obtenga ingresos adicionales. ¡Regístrate ahora! NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process

Enhance your outreach by downloading our pre-made and customizable graphics! Use these graphics on social media, websites, emails, and printed materials to encourage voters to understand the voting process.

Your TikTok and Instagram Reels content should help viewers grasp the intricacies of the voting process, from how ballots are counted to who oversees elections. Use your platform to simplify complex topics, demystify election procedures, and build trust in the system. Provide clear, engaging explanations and direct viewers to reliable sources for accurate information about voting logistics.

• Explainer Videos: Use quick, engaging explainer videos to break down the ballot counting process and result timelines.
• Did You Know?: Use the “Did You Know?” trend to drop surprising facts about how voting laws differ between states, with a quick and engaging visual presentation.
• POV: Create a POV video as if you’re a new voter trying to navigate state-specific voting laws, with humorous and exaggerated scenarios.
• Reaction Challenge: Show your reaction to different state voting laws or quirks, using exaggerated expressions or humorous commentary.
• Behind the Scenes: Use the “Behind the Scenes” trend to show how ballots are counted, featuring clips from the actual process if possible, or animated graphics.
• Expectations vs. Reality: Show the expectations of how ballots are counted versus the reality, with a humorous twist.
• Myth-Busting: Use the myth-busting trend to debunk myths about ballot counting and election results.
• Fact Check: Utilize the “Fact Check” trend to address and debunk common misinformation about voting procedures and election claims.
• Truth or Lie: Create a “Truth or Lie” game where viewers guess whether a statement about voting is true or false, followed by the correct answer.
• React to Misinformation: Use reaction videos to address and correct misinformation about voting procedures or election security.
• A Day in the Life: Share a “Day in the Life” of a poll worker, highlighting the duties and importance of the role with a behind-the-scenes look.
• Volunteer Spotlight: Feature volunteers who are making a difference in their community.
• Support Local: Use the “Support Local” trend to encourage viewers to get involved in their local elections and support election officials.
• Talk Directly to Camera: Use our pre-written script to get information to voters effectively:
  • English: “Every state has its own rules for how elections work, from registration deadlines to how votes are counted. It might sound complicated, but it’s crucial to know these details to make sure your vote counts and is counted correctly. This National Voter Education Week week, let’s take the time to get informed about the voting process in our community. Knowing how elections are run, who’s in charge, and how votes are counted can help us all feel more confident and make sure we’re not misled by false information. Visit NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process to answer any of your questions about how elections work. Together, we can help everyone get the facts and support a fair and transparent election process!”
  • Spanish: “Cada estado tiene sus propias reglas sobre cómo funcionan las elecciones, desde los plazos de inscripción hasta cómo se cuentan los votos. Puede parecer complicado, pero es fundamental conocer estos detalles para asegurarse de que su voto cuente y se cuente correctamente. Esta Semana Nacional de Educación Electoral tomemos el tiempo para informarnos sobre el proceso de votación en nuestra comunidad. Saber cómo se llevan a cabo las elecciones, quién está a cargo y cómo se cuentan los votos puede ayudarnos a todos a sentirnos más seguros y asegurarnos de que no nos dejemos engañar por información falsa. ¡Juntos podemos ayudar a todos a conocer los hechos y apoyar un proceso electoral justo y transparente!

Texting is a great way to engage voters in your community during National Voter Education Week (NVEW)! Whether hosting text banks or encouraging personal outreach, use our pre-written templates to mobilize volunteers with messages about NVEW, your organization’s efforts, and actions to be #VoteReady for upcoming elections. Customize these templates for your community, including details about local elections, organizational impact, voter tools, and preferred actions. Also make sure to check out these Phone and Text Banking Best Practices from our partners at Vote Early Day!

Conversation Guide:

• Hi [their name], this is [your name] with [organization]! We’re celebrating National Voter Education Week and inviting all our friends to join us! Do you have any questions about how the voting process works? Here are some common questions people have, let me know if you are interested in learning more about any of these:
  • Why are voting laws different in every state?
  • Where can I find trusted information about voting laws specific to my state?
  • Who runs elections in my state?
  • How are ballots counted?
  • What measures are in place for ballot security?
• [ANSWERS]
  • Why are voting laws different in every state?
    In the United States, individual states determine their own election laws, which can vary widely. This includes when and how people vote and important deadlines. Check out how it works in your state at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
    
  • Where can I find trusted information about voting laws specific to my state?
    Trusted, nonpartisan sources are key! You can get accurate info directly from your state or local election officials. Find more details at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
    
  • Who runs elections in my state?
    Each state has a nonpartisan official or board in charge, often called the Secretary of State or State Election Director. Local election officials handle things at the local level, ensuring transparency and fairness. You can find out more NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
    
  • How are ballots counted?
    Ballots are counted through a meticulous, nonpartisan process to ensure accuracy and integrity, with security measures like bipartisan oversight and post-election audits. Learn more about the process at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
    
  • What measures are in place for ballot security?
    States use various cybersecurity protocols like robust firewalls, encryption, and continuous monitoring. Post-election audits in 48 states ensure the accuracy of the count. Dive deeper at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
• [MAYBE] Got it! If you think of any other questions, check out NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process for more info!
• [NO] That’s okay! If you ever get curious about things like why voting laws differ by state or how ballots are counted, the answers are just a click away at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process. I found learning about the process really empowering—hope you get a chance to check it out! Let me know if you have any questions later on.

One-off texts:

• Hey [Name], understanding the voting process is key to trusting our elections. Check out NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process to see how your vote is counted and verified.
  
• Hi [Name], build confidence in our elections by understanding the voting process. Visit NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process for a transparent look at how it all works.
  
• Hey, curious about what happens to your vote after you cast it? Knowing the process builds trust. Learn all about it at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process.
  
• Hey there! Want to see how votes are counted and verified behind the scenes? Head to NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process for transparent, reliable info. Let’s stay informed and trust the process!
  
• Hey [Name], it’s empowering to know how our voting process works. Dive into the details at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/process to boost your election knowledge and trust.

One way to reach voters in your community could be through your local radio stations! We’ve created the templates below to make it easier to send your local radio stations pre-written PSAs that they can use to uplift National Voter Education Week (NVEW), your organization’s efforts that week, and the different actions voters can take to be #VoteReady for the 2024 elections. 

We encourage our partners to customize these for their own communities! There are several opportunities to include more specific information about your upcoming elections, how your organization works within your communities, tools and resources to support voters, and which actions you want voters to take. 

• 15 seconds: Every state runs their elections a little differently, so it’s important to know how the voting process works where you live! Learn about how elections are run in your community, how votes are counted, and how you can help improve the process by visiting national-voter-education-week-dot-org. 
  
• 30 seconds: Every state runs their elections a little differently. By familiarizing yourself with how elections work, who runs them in your community, and the systems in place to ensure accuracy and transparency, you can identify misinformation and false narratives about elections and help others feel confidence in the process and outcomes. Learn more about the election process and how you can support democracy where you live at national-voter-education-week-dot-org. 

iHeartMedia Audio Advertising Opportunities

iHeartMedia has provided NVEW partners with some options to boost your local campaigns in the audio space (streaming, podcasts, and broadcast ads).  Below are budget tiers to give you an idea of what is possible. Ads can be geotargeted on streaming and podcasts to your local zip codes, while broadcast would provide wider coverage to the full market area.

Use this template slide deck as supplemental education materials for your NVEW events. Help your audience understand common questions about the voting process. Feel free to adapt to fit your organizational needs.

Use this one-pager at community events, schools, social media campaigns, workshops, and polling locations to inform and engage potential voters, helping them become confident participants in the electoral process!

Visit NVEW’s voter-facing FAQs to learn more about the common questions voters have around this topic and how you can answer them. Link directly to this page in your materials or use the info to customize your own local resources.