Churches can make a significant difference in an election by:
1. Encouraging their attendees to be registered to vote. That can be done on campus or at some public venue that has voter registration forms.
2. Encouraging their attendees to vote.
3. Providing voter information for their voters. Many voters don’t vote because they don’t know who the candidates are. A trusted voter information packet can fill that gap.
What does this look like in actual practice?
First, what not to do. NEVER TALK PARTY. ONLY TALK ISSUES. This cannot be over-emphasized. Talking party rather than issues, for example, Democrat vs. Republican, is a surefire way to cause a huge argument within any group, including a church. On the other hand, talking issues is not as controversial and actually can be uniting. Pro-life, traditional marriage and parental rights are all issues that Christians agree on regardless of party.
What to do.
1. A successful voter drive effort takes at least one committed person assigned to be in charge. That person, and preferably persons, needs a table, pens and in case of inclement weather, a place protected from the elements.
2. Most folks are registered to vote but not all are. During COVID and since, ballots are mailed out about one month before the actual election day. Getting folks registered to vote 2 to 3 weeks before the ballots are mailed out is important. Forms are available at the County Registrar of Voters.
3. Getting folks to vote is great but they also need to be informed. Most folks are busy making a living and raising a family. They don’t know which candidates share their worldview. A voter information packet is vital.
4. Because of revised voter laws in California, ballot harvesting during the election is legal. Churches can do that although there are a couple of simple rules that must be followed. See next section for those guidelines.