How to Hold a Voter-Registration Drive

As the 2000 presidential election proved, every vote counts. Becoming
a registered voter is the first step. Make sure the people of your community
have a voice in the next election.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your state board of elections or county clerk about becoming a deputy registrar. Contact the Federal Election Commission (fec.gov) for regulations, news and instructions, and to download national voter registration forms.

2. Conduct an electronic voter-registration drive. You'll need to have several computers at the table so voters can access the Web. Again, the FEC site provides state-by-state guidelines and can answer any questions.

3. Get institutions involved in your registration drive. Register school students, church members or municipal workers. Or, canvas door to door.

4. Remember that your voter-registration drive must be nonpartisan-- you cannot endorse a party or candidate while registering voters. In fact, the Federal Election Commission requires that a sign be posted or a written notice be available to registrants that states "Our voter registration services are available without regard to voters' political preference."

5. Ask the FEC or the League of Women Voters (lwv.org) how to properly store the completed voter-registration forms.

6. Finish the job by making sure all registration forms are returned to the election office or mailed, as required.

Tips & Warnings

• The voting process is undergoing tremendous change. In 2002, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) to help states improve registering and voting procedures. In many states you can register online.
• A person who commits or attempts to commit any fraud in connection with voting, votes a fraudulent ballot, or votes more than once in an election can be convicted of a felony of the third degree and fined up $5,000 and/or go to jail for up to 5 years.