Call to Action

Who?

• If you are reading this message, most likely you are aware that many issues we are voting on in this election will affect you for decades including financing for your post-secondary study options, climate change,  racial justice, and job security. 

• Young people like yourselves are often at the forefront of community protests or organized events on issues that often change society.   Unfortunately, on average only 23% of eligible 18 – 19-year-old do vote.

• Compare that with about 70% of people 60 and above who vote regularly.

• Research has shown that if young people turned out at the same rates as older citizens, American democracy would be transformed. Students who begin voting at a young age tend to remain as active voters for the rest of their lives.

• YMTB is working already with a growing number of people like you who are energetic and available to make a difference this year.  

• YWTB is offering an opportunity for you to engage fully in the electoral process and feel the rewards of serving your communities. 

 

Why?

• The pandemic has caused unprecedented upheaval to the nation and threatens the integrity of this year’s election.  If there are not enough people to serve as polling judges or to help keep the booths clean and lines efficient. Polling centers could be overwhelmed and forced to shut down before everyone has a chance to cast their ballot.

• Older workers who are most vulnerable to the virus, are not volunteering at the same numbers as before.  The likely increase in the number of mail-in in ballots may require more people to assist with the tallying.  This is why we need a team of people prepared to help.

• 2020 is likely the most consequential election in American history.  What could be more powerful than knowing that you, a young person aged 15 – 24 helped a historic election take place with the highest election turnout in the last 100 years?

 

How? ​

• YouthWork Makes the BoothWork provides a navigation tool to enlist your effort to not only help at the polls but register to vote yourselves.  We need to enlist young people to lead the nation. We are working with town and city officials and reaching out to high schools, colleges, and local service clubs to recruit a new generation to help at the polls and keep voting and democracy alive.