Method to Register Mostly Democrats

[liberalmike27]

This is what I did. I got a box of voter registration forms from the local office. When I go to places I normally go in my life, I take a few forms in. I've given them out at Fast-food restaurants, other restaurants, to bank-tellers, when I bought some glasses at LensCrafters, grocery-shopping, coffee-shops, just about anywhere there are low-wage workers who will more likely vote Democrat that you go, you can ask if they are registered, and give them a mail-in form.

This is a great way to do it because all it takes is you living your life, and a small amount of effort on your part. We all go to the cleaners, gas-station, convenience stores, and other places where there are people who usually don't vote. Around 66% of people either aren't registered, or don't vote. Nearly 100 million aren't registered, who are of age. Most likely these are more Democratically inclined people, who just need a little bump from someone to get them started. Can you bump them?

I know some of you that read these boards are in positions to get this strategy off of the ground. Please, please, use your pulpits to get this technique used on a widespread basis, as I can't do it alone, but if it is being done in cities all over the country, then we can make huge progress. I usually mention the candidate I'm for, then tell them they should vote no matter who they vote for, so we can be an inclusive democracy.

[leftyandproud]

1. I wouldn't do this..

I don't want apathetic people voting, no matter what party they may support. I want an INFORMED citizenry...and htink by informing people, we can motivate them to register themselves and encourage others to do the same. I don't want to get people signed up and say "hey, flip a coin and vote for the guy that sounds best in the 15 second radio ads"...I want them to read...listen...think, then decide. Blindly asking a bunch of people to vote shouldn't be the goal. It should be to inform those already voting...and to educate those who don't about the issues...so they will be eager to vote.

[DBoon]

2. Registration is a great motivation for involvement

If you don't have a driver's license, you will not as likely be interested in various makes & models of autos, and comparing them to figure out which is best.

One step at a time. We have nothing to gain by limiting franchise.

[liberalmike27]

3. Registering

Registering people is the first step to getting rid of the apathy.

I know this as I had a guy do this for me when I was 28, and I've been involved and interested, and voted in every election since then. I'm telling you, most of the people you interact with each day are poorly paid clerks. They will more likely find the Democrats a better party. Even if it turns at 6 Democrat to 4 republican votes, that will still gain votes. Most at least know the basic tenet of the party, which is that Democrats are a little more interested at smoothing the wrinkles of an average person's life.

This is a good thing, and it helps to get rid of an uninformed, and disinterested citizenry. Some people just haven't had political influences in their lives, and you may be the one to get them interested. I can't believe anyone would resist this idea, particularly a Kucinich fan.

[libertad]

5. Are you assuming that lower income people are apathetic?

A lot of young people work in these types of businesses, too. Just because someone can't afford higher education at this point in their life doesn't mean they don't care or are unwilling to look at the issues.

[NJCher]

4. go to unions

I was surprised to find out that unions don't always have 100% of their members signed up as registered voters. They are usually quite grateful if you'll come out to an event and get people to sign up.

I did this when the unions were striking. The union was the one made up of caregivers, like the ones in homes for the elderly, etc. I learned that the workers will tell you they're signed up as voters, even when they're not. The reason for this is usually that they are a) illegal aliens; b) embarrassed they're not registered and don't want to admit it in front of their co-workers. There are ways of working around these issues to get them registered.

So look up "unions" in the Yellow Pages and call their headquarters. Ask if they have any upcoming events when you can register voters. It's easy; all you have to do is take a clipboard and the forms. The union will usually arrange for a table and chairs for you.

Cher

[beyurslf]

6. I would be very cautious in this approach

It could depend on where you live of course. In KS, there is no gaurantee that low wage workers vote Dem. When we did a voter drive here for the Gov's race last year, some well meaning young people ran one in what they thought was a great low-income area that would turn out the Dems. They registered almost 2-1 Repub over Dems.

They best indicator is the geographic area, the current makeup of registered voters, and the vote history of the precinct. Start with precincts above 90% Dem voting record and move down. (They exist. Even in Wichita, KS we had one precint with 98% Dem voting record. We should go door to door and register every single person there. They had 1 republican registered in the whole precinct.) Stop at precincts with 65% Dem voting records. Those below are swings. Yes, I know that 60% Dem still wins, but registering new people could "swing" it.

And as long as you are out registering, advance vote them too. Most states now have advance vote applications that allow the ballot to be mailed to the person's home prior to the election. You can even create a database of the advance vote applications you receive and then follow up to make sure they filed it out. Pick it up and turn it in for them if you have to. (And if you register someone who marks Republican, look over the card, ensure it is correct, and then advise them how to turn it in. If you take the card, you are obligated to turn it in, but you are under no obligation to take the card!)