Get Out The Vote (GOTV) refers to efforts aimed at increasing voter turnout by educating and motivating voters. While traditionally associated with political parties and candidates, GOTV has grown, with more non-partisan entities, including corporations, stepping into the arena.
In this guide, we cover why your organization should get involved and how to get started. Plus, we share some real-world examples of Quorum customers making an impact with their GOTV programs.
“Employees often trust their employers to provide more reliable information than the government, making organizations an effective voice to encourage civic engagement, especially through “Get Out the Vote” (GOTV) initiatives.”
— Alex Wirth, Co-Founder & CEO, Quorum for Ragan.com
Why Your Organization Should Start a GOTV Program
Many founders and companies feel they have a civic duty to contribute to the democratic process. Besides that, GOTV programs can also boost employee morale and engagement. Providing employees with resources and support to participate in elections demonstrates the company’s commitment to their personal and civic well-being. In fact, many employees now expect their employer to facilitate GOTV programs.
Engaging in non-partisan GOTV efforts can also enhance a company’s brand image. It positions the company as socially responsible and committed to the greater good, which can resonate positively with consumers, investors, and the public.
Once you’ve explained your “why” and garnered organizational support, it’s time to fine-tune your GOTV strategies. Starting a GOTV program within your organization begins with setting clear, non-partisan goals to increase voter turnout among your stakeholders.
Next, focus on educating your community about the importance of voting, providing resources on how to register, and details on voting procedures. Finally, facilitate the voting process by offering tools for registration, information on early and absentee voting, and, if possible, time off for employees to vote on Election Day.
GOTV Program Tips
Start Early
Use existing communication channels.
Lean on nonpartisan civic organizations for resources.
Align messaging with the brand values you already champion.
Facilitate voter registration.
Encourage early voting.
Provide time off to vote.
Provide candidate interaction opportunities (if possible and appropriate)
Celebrate participation, perhaps through gamification.
GOTV programs were once the function of political parties and candidates. But now, GOTV programs have been adopted by nonprofits, trade associates, and even Fortune 500 companies. Here are some real examples of how organizations have implemented GOTV programs and the effect they had.
