by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
With the upcoming general election in November 2024, now is the time for Tennesseans to focus on the power they hold at the ballot box. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s one of the most important ways we can shape the future of our communities, our state, and our nation. Voter engagement—encouraging people to register, get informed, and vote—is essential for ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard in decisions that affect us all.
Voter engagement is vital because it empowers citizens to participate in the democratic process. Tennessee, like every state, faces critical decisions on issues that directly impact us—education, healthcare, public safety, and economic development, to name a few. When more people vote, we can be confident that election outcomes reflect the broad and diverse interests of our communities. Nonprofit organizations, especially, can play a key role in helping ensure that everyone in our communities that are eligible to vote can actively participate in elections, making sure no voices are left out.
The reality is that Tennessee has consistently had lower voter turnout than the national average. This trend means that important local and state decisions are often made by a small segment of the population. Encouraging nonpartisan voter engagement can reverse this pattern by raising awareness of how crucial each vote is to shaping policies that reflect our collective needs. Research shows that if a person registers to vote through a nonprofit, they are statistically more likely to show up at the polls!
The Importance of Voter Registration
It all starts with registration. Without being registered, you can’t vote. And unfortunately, many eligible voters miss deadlines or aren’t aware of the necessary steps to register. By making voter registration a priority, we ensure that everyone who can vote has the opportunity to do so. Helping individuals register can also break down barriers such as lack of information, confusion about the process, or changes in voter ID laws. Nonprofits, community leaders, and everyday citizens can contribute by helping family, friends, and neighbors register to vote and ensure our voices are heard. As a nonprofit, you’re trusted in your community, which means people are more likely to register through you than an unknown entity.
How You Can Help
This election season, let’s work together to boost voter participation in Tennessee. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Register Yourself to Vote First: Check your registration status and encourage others to do the same. Tennessee has an easy-to-use online voter registration tool.
- Important Deadline! – In Tennessee, the deadline to register to vote (in-person at the local election office, online, or by mail) is Monday, October 7th.
- Register to Vote Online with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office at GoVoteTN
- Host a Voter Registration Event: Host a nonpartisan voter registration event with your nonprofit. You can learn more about the laws and regulations here. Also be sure to register your voter registration drive at the National Voter Registration Day website to get free toolkits, resources, swag, and more.
- Spread the Word: Share information about voter registration deadlines, polling locations, and early voting options. Social media, community events, and even casual conversations can make a difference.
- Ensure a Fair Process: Help protect the integrity of our elections by encouraging others to be informed about voting rights and ensuring that everyone who is eligible can vote with confidence. Also remember that the law requires all 501(c)3 organizations to remain nonpartisan, meaning you can’t tell folks who to vote for on behalf of your organization! The Tennessee Secretary of State’s website has lots of great information to share with your community!
We’re strengthening our democracy and ensuring that everyone has a say in shaping Tennessee’s future by promoting voter registration and engagement. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in November 2024—every vote truly counts!
For more information and resources, please check out our Tennessee Voter Engagement Guide.