Vote
At the Y, we believe voting isn’t just a civic duty, it’s also a key part of strengthening community!
As a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, we are committed to helping individuals and communities across the nation prepare for Election Day (November 8, 2022).
Voting is associated with many positive benefits for both community members and nonprofit organizations like the Y. According to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, voters are more likely to volunteer, contact their elected officials and stay informed about local affairs. It also helps strengthen social ties and improves health.
Take the first step of civic engagement today by registering to vote or checking to ensure your voter registration is active using the links below.
Registration status| Check to see if you are already registered to vote and if your information is up to date.
Request absentee ballot: Planning to vote, but need an absentee ballot? Make sure to request one in advance.
Election reminders: Sign up to receive reminders on elections so you don't miss out.
Civic Holidays
Commit to taking part in four national Civic Holidays with the goal of transforming youth participation in your school and community:
1.) National Voter Registration Day
Identify and introduce yourself to your local elections official, then develop a strategy to register 10 new youth voters ages 16/17/18 (depending on state) up to age 25 in your school/community on or before National Voter Registration Day.
2.) National Voter Education Week
Celebrate National Voter Education Week: #VoteReady (Monday), #MailReady (Tuesday), #VotePlanReady (Wednesday), #BallotReady (Thursday), and #WeReady (Friday).
3.) Vote Early Day
Celebrate Vote Early Day by either voting early yourself (if eligible) or taking part in a Vote Early Day effort to help young people cast their ballots before Election Day.
Finally, be part of Election Hero Day by signing up to serve as a youth poll worker in your community through our partners at Power the Polls, or – if you’re an adult volunteer/staff – take part in youth poll worker recruitment strategies!
Youth Voter Resources
In addition to the organizations and resources already mentioned, we have also organized an additional list of links and materials to help support your youth voter outreach efforts:
- Pre-Registration for Young Voters | National Conference of State Legislatures
- State Registration Info | Rock the Vote
- Voter Registration Organizer Toolkit | National Voter Reg. Day
- Staying Non-Partisan during Voter Outreach | Non-Profit Vote
- Engaging with Candidates | Non-Profit Vote
- History of Voting Rights Video & Lesson Plan | TED-Ed