So what is GOTV and how can I get involved?
Get Out The Vote, or GOTV, as it is commonly called, is the culmination of any organizing campaign. Both electoral campaigns and issue driven campaigns plan GOTV efforts to ensure that their supporters get to the polls on Election Day. GOTV is also the most exciting and energetic part of a campaign when volunteers come out in force, the public is watching and we're just days away from victory!
Get Out The Vote begins in force the weekend before the election and lasts until the polls close on Election Day. In many states, campaigns and organizations have weekend door knocks to remind people to vote on Tuesday, but GOTV efforts usually culminate in massive "day of" operations to get people to the polls. Some of these efforts include, door knocking in low voter turn-out areas, volunteer phone calls reminding people to vote, mailings, door hangers, visibility, rallies, special speakers, the possibilities are endless!
The non-profit community is also a great way to get involved in GOTV efforts. Many non-profits work to encourage and strengthen civic participation through non-partisan organizing efforts to educate new or infrequent voters on their rights and get them to polls on Election Day.
All of these activities, whether part of an issue or electoral campaign, or by a non-profit organization need volunteers. There are so many ways you can help, from volunteering for a national effort to sending an email to your friends. In this Organizing Corner, we've come up with five easy ways you can get involved and we've put in links to national and local efforts, including Wellstone Action's GOTV program in Minnesota. So find a volunteer opportunity that works for you, and help Get Out The Vote in your community!
