New York City Campaign Finance Board’s Post

Empowering the Future: Innovative Strategies for Youth Voter Engagement In any democracy, the voice of the youth is crucial for shaping the future and driving positive change. Yet, despite their potential to influence political outcomes, young voters often face barriers to engagement and participation in the electoral process. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of youth voter engagement and highlight innovative strategies that aim to empower young people to exercise their democratic rights and make their voices heard. Understanding the Importance of Youth Voter Engagement: Young people represent the future of our society, and their participation in the political process is vital for building a more inclusive and representative democracy. However, studies have shown that young voters are often underrepresented at the polls, with factors such as lack of awareness, apathy, and logistical barriers hindering their engagement. By mobilizing and empowering young voters, we can ensure that their perspectives and priorities are reflected in political decision-making and policy outcomes. Leveraging Digital Platforms: In today's digital age, social media platforms offer powerful tools for engaging and mobilizing young voters. Campaigns can utilize targeted advertising, influencer partnerships, and viral challenges to raise awareness, share information, and inspire action among youth audiences. By meeting young people where they are online, political parties and organizations can effectively connect with a generation that is increasingly reliant on digital communication channels. Youth-Oriented Outreach and Events: Traditional outreach methods such as door-to-door canvassing and community events remain effective ways to engage young voters, particularly in local communities. However, these efforts should be tailored to resonate with the interests and priorities of young people. Hosting youth-focused events, town halls, and candidate forums can provide opportunities for young voters to interact with political candidates, ask questions, and learn about key issues that affect their lives. Education and Civic Empowerment: Many young people feel disconnected from the political process due to a lack of understanding of how it works and how their participation can make a difference. Investing in civic education programs in schools and community organizations can help demystify the electoral process, empower young people to become informed and active citizens, and instill a sense of responsibility for shaping the future of their community Peer-to-peer engagement : has been shown to be highly effective in mobilizing young voters. Encouraging young people to mobilize their friends, classmates, and social networks to register to vote and participate in elections can create a ripple effect that amplifies youth engagement efforts.

Amplifying Voices: The Power of Voter Engagement in Black and Brown Communities In the tapestry of our democracy, every thread—every vote—adds strength and color to the whole. Yet, historical and systemic barriers have too often muted the voices in our Black and Brown communities. It's more than a matter of policy; it's a cornerstone of our collective empowerment. As we look forward to upcoming elections, let's discuss voter engagement. It goes beyond the act of casting a ballot. It's about education, access, and encouragement. It's about dismantling the hurdles that make voting challenging for so many. Engagement is a two-way street. It calls for candidates to listen actively and respond to the needs and aspirations of these communities. Each of us must commit to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion and participation. Here are some ways we can make a difference: Educational Workshops: - Knowledge is power. Let's organize workshops that inform citizens about their voting rights and the issues at stake. Voter Registration Drives: - Accessibility is key. Setting up drives in community centers, churches, and local events can go a long way. Transportation Services: -Let's volunteer or partner with organizations to provide rides to polling stations on election day. Youth Engagement: -The youth are our future. Encouraging their involvement can foster a lifelong commitment to civic participation. I'm calling on community leaders, activists, and all professionals to join in boosting voter turnout and engagement in our Black and Brown neighborhoods. Let's use our platforms, resources, and networks to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. What are some other methods you've seen work well? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below. We can bring about positive change and ensure a more equitable future. #VoterEngagement #CommunityEmpowerment #CivicParticipation #ElectionsMatter

To inspire the youth and undecided voters to vote, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of their voices and the impact their participation can have on shaping the future. Here are a few ideas to encourage them: 1. Education and Awareness: Educate the youth about the political process, the power of their vote, and the significance of participating in elections. Encourage them to stay informed about current events and understand the issues that matter to them. 2. Engage with Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to reach out to young voters and undecided individuals. Create content that is informative, visually appealing, and easily shareable. Discuss topics that resonate with them and provide well-researched facts to help them make informed decisions. 3. Highlight Positive Role Models: Showcase inspiring stories of young leaders who have made a difference through their political engagement. Highlight campaigns or initiatives that have positively impacted communities, highlighting the impact of voting. 4. Empowerment through Art and Culture: Tap into the creative expressions of the youth by encouraging them to use art, music, theater, and other forms of cultural engagement to voice their concerns and opinions. Create platforms that promote their work and provide a channel for expression and dialogue. 5. Foster Discussion Spaces: Organize town halls, debates, and other events where undecided voters can engage with political candidates directly. Create a safe and inclusive environment for open discussions without judgment, allowing everyone's voices to be heard. 6. Collaborate with Youth Organizations: Partner with organizations and clubs focused on youth engagement and activism. Seek their input, learn from their experiences, and work together to devise strategies that resonate with the youth. 7. Provide Resources and Tools: Make the voting process easily accessible by providing information about registration, polling locations, and voting options. Create user-friendly websites and apps that demystify the process and provide clear instructions. 8. Emphasize Community Impact: Help young voters understand how their individual votes contribute to changes in their communities. Showcase real-life examples of how voting has led to positive transformations and improved social and economic conditions. Remember, it is essential to listen, empathize, and genuinely address the concerns and doubts of the youth and undecided voters. By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we can inspire them to overcome the political turbulence and take an active role in shaping a brighter future.

Let's Make a Resolution to Strengthen Democracy Together The New Year brings an opportunity for renewal and recommitment - not just in our personal lives but in our roles as active citizens within our democracy. The League of Women Voters of Maryland invites you to consider adopting resolutions that can strengthen the fabric of our society. ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and yet, so many eligible voters don’t participate. This year, make it your mission to encourage friends, family, and community members to register and vote. Offer to help navigate the registration process, share important election dates, or organize a group to go to the polls together. Each additional vote strengthens the voice of the community. PROMOTE CIVIL DISCOURSE In an age where political conversations often become polarized, committing to civil discourse is more crucial than ever. Civil discourse involves engaging in respectful and productive conversations about political and social issues. It means listening to understand, not to refute. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we can bridge divides and find common ground. GET ENGAGED WHERE IT MATTERS MOST Local governance is where your voice can have the most immediate impact. This year, resolve to attend virtual or in-person town hall meetings, school board sessions, and other civic events. These gatherings are a platform for citizens to learn about local issues, voice concerns, and engage directly with elected officials and community leaders. EMPOWER VOTERS WITH THE LEAGUE Join the League of Women Voters of Maryland, a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to nonpartisan advocacy, voter education, and promoting active participation in government. The League offers resources, support, and opportunities to engage in initiatives that directly impact our democracy. Whether it’s organizing voter registration drives, participating in or moderating candidate forums, or engaging in community outreach, your involvement with the League empowers you to make meaningful contributions to our democratic process. As we step into 2024, let’s embrace these resolutions with a spirit of optimism and determination. Together, we can cultivate a more informed, respectful, and active civic community. Join us in making this year one of impactful civic engagement and democratic growth. Happy New Year from the League of Women Voters of Maryland! #NewYearCivicResolutions #LWVMD #EmpowerVoters #StrengthenDemocracy #CivilDiscourse #CommunityEngagement

Why educate voters? In every election, voter and civic education are necessary to ensure that all constituents—men and women alike—understand their rights, their political system, the contests they are being asked to decide, and how and where to vote. For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must understand their rights and responsibilities, and must be sufficiently knowledgeable and well informed to cast ballots that are legally valid and to participate meaningfully in the voting process. Voter and civic education are even more critical in post-conflict countries, where political situations may be volatile and where elections may have an unprecedented impact on the countries’ future. The term voter education is generally used to describe the dissemination of information, materials and programmes designed to inform voters about the specifics and mechanics of the voting process for a particular election. Voter education involves providing information on who is eligible to vote; where and how to register; how electors can check the voter lists to ensure they have been duly included; what type of elections are being held; where, when and how to vote; who the candidates are; and how to file complaints. Civic education—a broader concept—is aimed at conveying knowledge of a country’s political system and context. Civic education might include information on the system of government; the nature and powers of the offices to be filled in an election; the principal economic, social and political issues facing the nation; the value of democracy; the equal rights of women and men; and the importance of peace and national reconciliation. Voter and civic education can be critical in enhancing women’s participation in elections, particularly in post-conflict countries in which women have not traditionally played an active role in the electoral process. Voter and civic education should therefore be accessible to women as well as to men. The information conveyed should be gender-sensitive and designed to be relevant to women. Civic education can help enhance women’s participation in elections particularly through the dissemination of positive images of women as voters, leaders, and participants in all aspects of the political process. In post-conflict countries, voter and civic education may be especially important because electoral processes—and even the system of government—may be new or unfamiliar to many voters. Since post-conflict countries are societies in transition, they provide an unparalleled opportunity to educate citizens on the equality of women and men, the importance of including women in all aspects of the political process, and the crucial contribution women can make to building democracy and peace.

HOW TO CAPTURE YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR MESSAGING: TIPS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES The political apathy generally noticeable among youths in the country is due to several years of misrepresentation and distrust by the political class. However, the story is gradually taking a new turn as voters, especially youths, are beginning to see the power of their votes in determining the future of the nation. In this new course, as a means to inform and influence choices, it becomes necessary for political parties and candidates to reform their methods of youth engagement and interest representation. Here are three tips to help political parties achieve this. Firstly, proximity. True representation, which is the outcry of the Ondo people can only be achieved when candidates are empathetic and understand the people they seek to represent. Aspiring public office holders must consciously listen to the public plight and respond adequately. They must also seek direct and concrete interactions with young people and their groups. This can be done through campus town halls and active youth wings, long before election season. Since a lot of youths spend time on social media, political players must harness this means to appeal to the youth demographic. Secondly, applying the right mix of motivation and facilitation. The willingness of young people to partake in electoral process is hampered by several factors including socio-cultural normative, lack of economic power, fear of violence and the seeming lack of integrity inherent in the electoral process. These walls, political players have to pull down by becoming responsible in dissociating from causative actors and mitigating impacts of these constraints. Furthermore, political parties need to provide realistic solutions. The continuous failures of political players to bring their promises to bear points them as selfish, inept irresponsible and unworthy of trust. Finally, access. Political players must allow young people access in the process of policy design and formulation, framework and strategy that inform decisions and operations of political parties. The truth is nobody else can design policies, messaging and communication that resonates with young people better than young people. In order to capture Ondo youths, parties and candidates must come up with concrete solutions in concert with youth groups and voices. But beyond that, political parties must be heralds of hope and the assurance of the better future that all youths desire. This hope isn't one that denies the challenges they would face, rather, it is one that accepts it and understands what needs to be done to still achieve a better future. A political party that shows empathy for the needs of this demographic, posits policies to meet these needs, motivate and inspire action while sowing in young hearts, hope for a better future; will win the youth constituency. #politics #messaging #elections #ondo #rotimiolajide #showupapril

Reflecting on the Election: The Power of Participation South Africans from all walks of life came together to cast their votes, expressing their hopes and aspirations for the future of our nation. While voting is a critical component of our democracy, it is only the beginning. Now that we have exercised our right to vote, the real work begins. So, what should we do next to ensure our voices continue to shape the future of South Africa? Staying Informed and Engaged One of the most important steps we can take after voting is to stay informed about the decisions and actions of our elected representatives. This means following news reports, attending community meetings, and participating in public forums. By staying engaged, we can hold our leaders accountable and ensure they fulfill their promises. Participating in Community Initiatives Democracy is not limited to the ballot box. It extends to our everyday lives and interactions within our communities. Engaging in local initiatives, such as community policing forums, health forums, and school governing bodies, allows us to contribute to the well-being of our neighborhoods and ensure that our voices are heard in local decision-making processes. Making Use of Formal Channels Our constitution provides numerous formal channels for citizens to influence government policies and actions. These include making submissions during public consultations, participating in legislative processes, and joining political parties. By utilizing these avenues, we can ensure our views and concerns are taken into account. Engaging Youth: The Future of Our Democracy The participation of young people is crucial for the vitality of our democracy. While many young South Africans expressed their voices through voting, ongoing engagement is essential. This includes joining youth councils, participating in civic education programs, and using technology to organize and mobilize around key issues. It is vital for young people to understand that their voices matter and that sustained involvement is necessary to drive change. Supporting Civic Education and Political Literacy To foster a more engaged and informed citizenry, we must prioritize civic education and political literacy. This involves educating citizens, especially the youth, about their rights and responsibilities, the importance of voting, and the various ways they can participate in the democratic process. Schools, community organizations, and media platforms all have roles to play in this effort. **Conclusion: The Work of Democracy is Never Done** The election may be over, but the work of democracy continues. By staying informed, engaging in community initiatives, utilizing formal channels, and prioritizing civic education, we can ensure that our democracy remains robust and responsive to the needs of its people. Let’s continue to work together to build a better, more inclusive South Africa for all.

Empowering Civic Engagement: 5 Paths to Strengthen Our Democracy In a world where the strength of democracy depends on engaged citizens, fostering civic participation is essential. Here are five dynamic ways to empower individuals to actively engage in the democratic process: 1️⃣ Educate on Local Issues and Elections: Knowledge is the compass of civic action. Educate your community about local issues and elections. Equip them with the information needed to make informed choices that impact their neighborhoods. 2️⃣ Host Town Hall Meetings with Officials: Connect the community with its leaders. Organize town hall meetings where officials engage directly with residents. Open dialogue fosters understanding and accountability. 3️⃣ Organize Voter Registration Drives: The first step in civic engagement is registering to vote. Organize voter registration drives to ensure that every eligible citizen has a voice in the democratic process. 4️⃣ Create Platforms for Community Voices: Amplify community voices. Establish platforms where residents can share their concerns, ideas, and visions for their neighborhoods. Inclusivity leads to collective empowerment. 5️⃣ Encourage Youth Participation in Governance: The future belongs to the youth. Encourage young people to participate in governance and civic activities. They bring fresh perspectives and energy to the democratic process. By educating on local issues, hosting town hall meetings, organizing voter registration drives, creating platforms for community voices, and encouraging youth participation, you inspire civic engagement. Together, we can strengthen democracy by ensuring every voice is heard. Remember, the vitality of democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens. Let's take action today to empower individuals and build a brighter democratic future! 🗳️🤝🏛️ #CivicEngagement #DemocracyMatters #CommunityEmpowerment

🔍Voting Age: Should the voting age be lowered to 16....??? 👉The discussions surrounding the voting age has been ongoing for some time, with proponents arguing that lowering the age to 16 could have positive impacts on democracy and civic engagement, while critics raise concerns about the ability and motivation of young people to participate effectively in the electoral process. 👉Let me draw the Arguments on Positive & Negative both:- 🔍Arguments in Favour: 👉• 1) Increased Voter Turnout: Lowering the voting age can lead to a long-term increase in voter turnout, as voting is habitual and starting at a younger age can establish a lifelong habit. 👉• 2) Civic Knowledge and Ability: Research suggests that 16 and 17-year-olds have the necessary civic knowledge, skills, and cognitive ability to vote responsibly, with no significant differences in these qualities compared to those above 18. 👉• 3) Stake in the Game: Young people are affected by local political issues and have a stake in the outcome, deserving the right to vote on issues that affect them directly. 👉• 4) Strengthening Civics Education: A lower voting age can make civics education more effective by providing students with a direct application of what they learn in the classroom, encouraging higher quality civics education programs. 🔍Arguments in Against: 👉• 1) Ability and Motivation: Critics argue that young people under 18 lack the ability and motivation to participate effectively in elections, which could lead to low turnout rates and ineffective vote choices. 👉• 2) Quality of Vote Choice: There are concerns that citizens under 18 might not make use of their vote as effectively as older voters, with their vote choice driven more by expressive rather than instrumental considerations. 👉As several countries and territories have lowered their voting age to 16, including Nicaragua, Brazil, Austria, and Scotland, among others. 👉In the United States itself, there have been legislative attempts to lower the voting age in many states, with some towns in Maryland successfully doing so. ⏭️As way forward, while there were arguments on both sides, the evidence suggests that lowering the voting age to 16 may not have the negative consequences which critics may fear. In fact, it could lead to increased voter turnout, more effective civics education, and a greater sense of civic engagement among young people. As, it is essential to consider the potential benefits and challenges of such a reform and to weigh them against the broader goals of democratic participation and representation. #Voting #Rights #MinimumAge #18+ #16+ #Democracy #Reforms #Needofhour #Challenges #Participation #Representation #Benefits #VoterTurnout

How To Reach Gen Z Voters? Check out our report we did based on a focus group conducted with Lake Research Partners. We wanted to learn more about what issues matter most the swing Gen Z Voters and how best to connect with them. Our findings are crucial for anyone looking to connect with and engage young voters. Check out our Substack for a full breakdown, as well as the ability to download the full report. https://lnkd.in/gSCD-qj8