This fall, Jewish teens across the United States will go all out ahead of the U.S. Election by registering our friends and networks (Jewish and all others) to vote, volunteering to ensure there are no barriers to voting for anyone, attending events to learn about today's issues, and have fun participating in, while also protecting, our democracy. Voice Your Vote is a non-partisan initiative.
There are 47 million 18 to 29 year olds who are eligible to vote in the 2020 election, and 15 million of them have turned 18 since the last presidential election. After expanding the youth vote in 2016, and surging in 2018, the youth vote will have its say this year.
Weโre counting on you to make sure of it. This is your time to Voice Your Vote.
Election Day is quickly approaching. Regardless of personal politics, we all agree that every citizen has the right to voice their opinion in our democracy, and vote as they wish. It's our patriotic, and Jewish, responsibility to celebrate our democracy, embrace our freedoms, and cast a vote that will do the most good for most people. If you're not old enough to vote yet, you can make sure your friends, family, and community members who can vote show up at the ballot box on Election Day.
Registering to vote is only half the battle. Young voter turnout in U.S. Elections is much lower than it should be. Let's change that this year. We must motivate our friends, our teammates, our school student bodies, and our communities to pledge to vote this November. We'll send important U.S. Election reminders about deadlines, voting procedures and Election Day information to ensure that voting is as easy as possible. November 3rd is quickly approaching and itโs time for everyone to make a plan.
The U.S. is facing a national poll worker shortage due to COVID-19. There are concerns that polling sites may not be as well-managed, as fair, or as safe as they need to be. Fewer volunteers mean longer lines, fewer sites, lower turnout, and greater challenges for voters with special needs, who speak different languages, or who represent specific communities. This disproportionately affects our fellow Citizens of Color. We can help ensure a just election for our neighbors. Volunteering can be safe with simple precautions. You can be as young as 16 and in some states it's paid, too. Stand up as an ally this November.
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Democracy has been a core value of the Jewish People since the beginning of our tradition. Judaism instills values in us that help inform our choices so that we can ensure our world is made better than we found it. We must choose leaders that represent the best of our communityโs ideals, hopes, and values, and we are privileged to live in a society where we can have a say in that decision. Democracy works best when we all take part.
We're building a national team of committed, enthusiastic Jewish teens who can help make the youth voice heard and show the world the future we wish to build. We'll be accepting new Field Organizers on a rolling basis, so sign up right away. Organizers will earn funding for their chapters and communities, too. This is a volunteer, opt-in experience through Election Day, and weโre seeking to build an army of local โGet Out the Voteโ teen ambassadors in school districts, communities, and states across the country.ย
Register and Pledge Hundreds of Voters
Organize Events Online or In-Person (Where Safe)
Work the Polls in Your Local Community
Promote Important Deadlines and Election Updates
Join special events leading up to the U.S. Election including National Convention Watch Parties, Debate Night Parties, Town Halls with political and community leaders, fun democracy-inspired chapter activities, and Election Night celebrations. Explore upcoming events below and learn how you can run and host a Voice Your Vote experience in your community this fall.
The Voice Your Vote campaign is an excellent opportunity to get more involved in politics, explore the issues that are important to you, and celebrate democracy. Join the fun by planning an event exclusively for your chapter, your community, or thatโs open to Jewish teens worldwide via BBYO On Demand. You can host a watch party for a debate (on both state and national levels), host elected representatives, candidates, or community leaders as a special guest experience, or gather your friends for a fun democracy-inspired activity.
Voice Your Vote is a campaign open to all of BBYOโs communities around the world. Exploring democracy, participating in active citizenship, and championing the issues facing society are core to what we do in BBYO everywhere across the globe. If youโre in a community outside of the United States, you can still participate in this campaign by running events, hosting conversations, and connecting with your local and national leadership in any way we can. Our goal is for every BBYO global community to hold one event this year with an elected leader in their community. Letโs get to work!
Don't let the deadlines get the best of you or anyone for that matter. One of the most influential things we can do as young people ensures everyone we know is aware of voter registration deadlines, mail-in and absentee deadlines (especially this year!), early voting deadlines, and poll closure information.
Check back soon for a library of graphics to share on social media to promote local and national deadlines.
Voting should be easy. There are hundreds of websites that have details on the voting process and educational tools about this year's candidates. Use the links below to find the information you need to make your voting experience as smooth and informed as possible. If you can't vote yourself, the resources below will help you register others, advise others where they can vote, and educate voters on this year's most important issues. Not to mention, it's good to learn how to be involved early. In some states, you can register to vote in advance of being eighteen.
1. Vote early in person
2. Use a ballot drop box
3. Drop off your ballot at an election office or polling station
4. Organize a community ballot collection
If you have questions about voting, call 866-OUR-VOTE.
Explore these links to learn more about political parties, issues, candidates, and voter education initiatives. Have an issue you care about that you'd like to see featured here? Email us!
Pre-Event Marketing
Blast this image on all of your social media channels and be sure your friends share it on their personal accounts. Add your event information in the caption of the image.
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Let your friends know where you'll be this Fall with this awesome profile picture frame.
Update YoursShare all of your Fall Fest posts with the hashtag #BBYOFallFest to showcase all of the incredible events happening around the world. Maybe if you're lucky you'll get a shout out from @BBYOInsider.
