Election Resources
U.S. elections have a major impact on gender equity in education, women’s economic security, and reproductive and civil rights. The good news? When women vote, we change the conversation.
AAUW Action FundWhether in-person or online, there are many impactful ways to motivate civic engagement in an election year.
How to Get Involved and Educate Voters
There are many ways AAUW members can get involved in the elections and help educate voters. Our voter engagement campaign — It’s My Vote! — will give you the training, tools, and resources to help increase voter participation in your community.
Partnership Spotlight: League of Women Voters – Unite & Rise 8.5
AAUW is proud to be a Power Partner with the League of Women Voters on Unite & Rise 8.5, alongside the National Council of Jewish Women.
Unite & Rise 8.5 is a national, nonpartisan effort to engage 8.5 million people in democracy through civic education, coalition building, and visible, community-led action – aligning with our shared goal of helping people participate confidently and safely in elections.
Through It’s My Vote!, AAUW will collaborate with local partners to host nonpartisan events, share clear voter information, and connect policy to real life.
MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE
Studies show that voters who make a plan, including how and where to vote, are more likely to follow through on Election Day. Before you head to the polls, learn how to protect your vote and what to do if something goes wrong.
Register to vote. Some states allow voters to register through Election Day, while other states’ deadlines have already passed. Find out your state’s rules. If you are registered to vote already, make sure that your registration status includes your current address.
Find out how to vote in your state before Election Day. You might consider voting early or requesting an absentee ballot if that option is available in your state or municipality.
If you plan to vote in person:
- Take all safety precautions!
- Know your polling place location and hours. Make sure to arrive at the polling place before it closes. Keep in mind that if you are in line at the time the polling place closes, you have the right to vote.
- Decide how you will get to and from the polling place, and prepare for a long wait.
- Check what type of voter identification you must bring to the polls, if your state requires one. Make sure you bring that identification with you.
- Ask for help from the people who work at the polls (that’s why they’re there!)
If you plan to vote by mail:
- Check the deadlines for requesting options in your state, or if a ballot will automatically be sent to you.
- Ensure your ballot is sent in the mail or dropped off at an official location, per the instructions of your Board of Elections.
- Check the status of your ballot online, if possible.
- Help your friends & family make their plan to vote! It is important to share with your community what you have learned, whether you host a voter registration drive or share on social media.
If Something Goes Wrong
Voter suppression and voter intimidation are illegal. If your voting rights are challenged at the polls, document and report the problem. Call 866.OUR.VOTE (866.687.8683) as soon as you experience an issue. This hotline has been set up by the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. They have hundreds of lawyers standing by to immediately respond to problems at the polls. Spanish language speakers can call 888.VE.Y.VOTA and Asian language speakers can receive assistance through 888.API.VOTE in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog.
Be sure to write down exactly what happened, including the time of day, descriptions of the people involved, and any other details you can remember. If specific individuals are challenging your right to vote, intimidating voters, or interfering with the process, try to get their names.
AAUW and the AAUW Action Fund gratefully acknowledge the members of the Mooneen Lecce Giving Circle for their generous support of our voter engagement work.
