5 Ways to make a difference on National Voter Registration Day!

Today is National Voter Registrations Day, a day that may not sound as sexy as National Chocolate Day or as fun as National Hug A Puppy Day (if that isn't a holiday, it should be), but is critical to our functionas citizens nonethe less.

We have already witinessed tangible and life altering ways voting (or lack of voting) can have massive, historic, and devistating impacts on the lives of people here in our country. Having witnessed that, it is vital to the state of the union, to the national peace, and the legacy of our country that every person who is willing and able to be registered to vote.

But I don't expect you to pick up a bunch of voter's registration forms and a clip board and go door to door. In fact, I am about to share with you 4 ways you can help hype National Voter Registration Day without leaving your couch (and one that will, but it will be fun nonetheless.)

Register to vote

Because Duh! What better way to celebrate Nation Voter Registration Day by putting "your money where your mouth" is and registering your daggone self. It is the best, most important, and most meaningful way to get involved. It takes less time than it takes to complain about the current state of affairs and has way more impact (c'mon somebody), and you can do it from your phone or laptop anywhere. Go to vote.org and follow the steps.

If you're already registered (or think that you are), and want to check your registration status, you can also head to vote.org.

Reach out to your own family and friends
According to National Voter Registration Day stats, people who are directly contacted about registering to vote and voting are far more likely to show up on election day. Personally take the time to reach out to some of your folks, whether it be your family, friends, or even a few buds at work, encouraging to register to vote. This is especially true for anyone in your circle who has recently (or not so recently) changed names, moved addresses, just turned 18 (or will be before their next election day), or become a newly naturalized citizen. 

Nonprofit Vote reported that 41% of people didn't know they had to register if they moved across town, and 20% were unaware that they had to re-register when moving to a different state. If this applies to you, see the point above.

Find and spread word about an event in your area
While you can (and should) encourage your people to head to the easy and convenient online resources for registering to vote, National Voter Registration Day is really all about the local events and registration drives. Easily search for events by zip code on the National Voter Registration Day website to find the closest events to you, then let your people know and go support yourself.

Post something on social media
If there is a singular point to National Voter Registration Day, it is about awareness. You are going to be on social media anyway, might as well use your platform to spread the word to your F's (your friends, family, and followers), and encourage each of them to register or check their registration status. And don't forget to share the tag #NationalVoterRegistrationDay on whatever your favorite platform is. 

Mark your calendar for Election Day 

Registering to vote is just the first step. The point in registering to vote is to do the work of learning about your local and national candidates, see where they stand on issues that matter to you. Then, on  November 6, actually make the time to show up to the polls on to cast your vote.

A common phrase around these parts is "if you're not willing to work, you don't get the right to complain." In honor of today, I say "If you're not willing to vote you don't have the right to complain." Make your voice heard and encourage others to do the same!