Recruitment Toolkit

Research shows personal recommendations from trusted community members are 5x more effective at motivating voter participation than traditional political advertising. People don’t just need voting information—they need it from sources they already trust.

Who are trusted messengers? They’re not celebrities or politicians. They’re the people already woven into daily community life: coaches, small business owners, faith leaders, librarians, student leaders, neighborhood mentors, and local digital creators. Their influence comes from relationships, not titles.

What’s included:

• Key questions to identify the right messengers for your community
• Vetting criteria to ensure nonpartisan, pro-democracy alignment
• Template emails and conversation starters for different types of community leaders
• Concrete partnership ideas, from simple social media shares to co-hosted events
• Customizable materials including posters, one-pagers, and digital graphics

Instead of cold outreach during election season, you’re empowering voices people already trust to weave civic engagement into conversations that are naturally happening. This approach is especially effective for reaching community members who don’t typically engage with traditional voter outreach.

You’re not just expanding your reach—you’re changing how voter education happens in your community, making it feel authentic and sustainable rather than transactional.

• About National Voter Education Week
  • National Voter Education Week is a nonpartisan voter education campaign held the first full week of October that equips voters with the tools and information they need to cast their ballots with confidence.
    
  • Joining National Voter Education Week (NVEW) as a partner provides access to comprehensive voter registration resources, educational materials, and toolkits. By collaborating with hundreds of organizations nationwide, partners can effectively reach potential voters and equip communities with the tools needed to participate confidently in our democracy.
• Why Voter Education is Important
  • Understanding the voting process empowers voters to make informed decisions that reflect their values and beliefs, allowing them to thoroughly research candidates and issues ahead of elections.
    
  • Voter education demystifies the voting process, providing practical steps and tools for voters to register, understand their ballots, and locate polling places with ease, ensuring choices align with their interests and priorities.
    
  • Voter education equips voters to protect their rights at the polls and recognize attempts at voter suppression, playing a crucial role in ensuring everyone has equal access to the voting process and can confidently participate in elections.
    
  • By becoming informed and encouraging others to do the same, voters contribute to a more engaged and robust democracy, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of their communities and the nation through active participation in elections.
• Why Join as a Partner
  • Empower your community with accurate local election information. Become a trusted source for your community by providing clear, simple, and honest nonpartisan information about local elections. Help your audience navigate evolving election laws and cut through the noise.
    
  • Directly impact your community’s well-being. Partner with us to highlight how local elections shape everyday life. Show your network how voting impacts their schools, businesses, and essential community services, leading to a more engaged and informed citizenry.
    
  • Leverage trusted relationships. Your voice matters. Capitalize on the power of trusted messengers to encourage voter turnout in local elections, where personal connections make a significant difference.
    
  • Bridge the gap between registration and voting in local races. Help your community understand the specifics of local elections. Provide essential information on local ballot measures, polling locations, and candidate forums to ensure registered voters become active participants.
    
  • Combat misinformation and build trust. Address the unique challenges of misinformation in local elections. Partner with us to provide accurate, nonpartisan information and build trust in the electoral process within your community.
    
  • Navigate the complexities of local election rules. Help your network understand the specific rules and regulations governing local elections in your area. Provide clarity on voter ID requirements, early voting options, and mail-in ballot procedures.
    
  • Amplify the importance of local elections. Show your community that local elections matter more than they think. Emphasize the direct impact of mayors, city councils, and school boards on their daily lives.
    
  • Demystify the ballot. Provide resources and guidance to help your community understand local ballot measures and candidates. Empower them to make informed decisions, even if they feel they lack comprehensive knowledge.
    
  • Foster a culture of civic engagement. Encourage year-round civic engagement by highlighting opportunities to participate in local government meetings, volunteer, and advocate for community causes.
    
  • Turn local knowledge into local action. Empower your network to take action in local elections. Encourage them to help others register, share voting reminders, and show up at the polls for local races.
    
  • Increase your organization’s visibility as a community leader. By providing non partisan voting information, you will be seen as a valuable resource to your community.