Do More Than Vote

by Debbie Wuthnow

Practical Actions You Can Take

As we all know, voting is effective only insofar as people participate and legitimate votes are counted correctly. It’s crucial to be reminded of the actions you can take to preserve our liberty.

In recent years, election fraud has been the focus of much attention. As citizens work with state legislatures to enact laws that make voting more secure—and stop destructive federal overreach—do you know that it is within your power to make a difference right now?

Less than twenty percent of those eligible actually vote, and even fewer take part in facilitating the voting process, which is essential to free and fair elections. I want to give you an overview of three things that you can do besides casting your vote:

Practical Actions to Actively Participate in the Election Process

1. Become a volunteer voter registrar or hold a voter registration drive.

Millions of eligible voters are missing from America’s political decision-making process. While many complain about voter integrity, one of the simplest ways the effects of fraud are countered is when like-minded people register to vote and show up at the polls. Once registered, people are more likely to take the next step and vote. Honest voter registration is a safeguard against fraudulent registration, and YOU can help.

Nearly one out of every two Christians who are eligible to vote do not consistently take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. Imagine the impact even a registration drive at just one church can have! One of our partners provides everything you need to hold a registration drive at your own church. You can access it here.

In some states, you can apply to become a deputy voter registrar who collects and submits completed registration forms. Other states do not provide a deputy registrar program, but they make registration forms available for individuals and organizations to hand out at registration drives. Contact your county elections office to find out how you can help register voters. 

2. Become an election worker.

Election workers facilitate the voting process on election day. It wasn’t until later in life that I became aware that this opportunity is open to people like you and me. By working at a local polling location, you take responsibility for protecting the right to vote and the security of part of the process. It’s also a great chance to meet your neighbors!

You can sign up to be an election worker here through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. You may be paid a nominal wage for your service. Training is usually provided through your county elections office. Your duties may include:

Setting up and packing up the voting equipment at the polling location

  • Making sure voters are registered in the county in which they are voting
  • Transporting the ballots and election equipment back to your county elections office—a major responsibility!
  • Guarding against electioneering (illegal campaigning) at the polling location

How important are poll workers, you ask? In a 2004 Tennessee election, a vigilant poll worker caught one lady trying to vote in her deceased sister’s name. In a 2010 primary in Dallas, a poll worker attempted to use another person’s registration information to cast a fraudulent vote. Her attempt was thwarted, thankfully, by another poll worker who was honest.

The integrity of those entrusted with administering our elections are critically important—and the opportunity is available to you.

3. Become a poll watcher or observer.

Accountability is a key component to an honest election. Volunteer poll watchers observe the voting process at the polling location. As a poll watcher, you make sure election workers are enforcing and observing the law and that no illegal electioneering is taking place.

Poll watcher (also called election observer) duties may include:

  • Alerting an election worker to potential errors or violations in facilitating the voting
  • Documenting all observations and reporting any incidents
  • Observing the setting up and dismantling of election equipment, and the handling of ballots at the end of the night

Poll watchers may be appointed by a political candidate or political party. In addition, election observers may be needed at the location where ballots are counted, not only where the voting takes place.

You can find information on your state requirements for election observers here as well as training through a resource provided by one of our partners here. Be sure to contact your county elections office for specific information.

Does it make a difference? Yes, it does!

At a time when people feel helpless and don’t believe they can make a difference, have no doubt . . . YOU CAN. We need trustworthy citizens like yourself to step up and fill these positions. Often the most important jobs are not the most glamorous. Citizen action is by far the most effective way to engage your neighbors in voting, protect election integrity, and ultimately preserve our freedoms.

I am greatly encouraged by these iVoterGuide users who have told us how they are taking action:

“I am a judge [election worker] at our voting area. I have been now for several years. Yes it does make a difference. Thank you again for sharing this information.”

“I volunteered to be a poll worker in my county in GA.”

“I was an Election Inspector in my community … for the primary and will again be serving in November.”

It’s tempting to think preserving our freedom can only be accomplished by bold, sweeping measures. In reality, it is often local, behind-the-scenes, sometimes unnoticed acts of service that make the biggest difference. Sometimes, the most effective action you can take is simply doing your part, refusing to give up, and leaving the rest to God.

These roles will be filled by someone. The question is, who? Will it be people like yourself who desire to preserve freedom, or will it be those set on gaining political power, no matter what?

In your county, community, and polling place, someone will hold a registration drive, facilitate the voting process, or sign up as a poll watcher. Multiplied by each county throughout the nation, these actions have a compounding effect, for good or bad. It all depends on who steps into the roles.

What will you consider doing to preserve our freedom and values? 

Get Reminders

Whether it's important news, voting dates, or election reminders, iVoterGuide equips you to make an impact and a real difference in every election.
Join Now

See your voter guide

Spread the Word

You are the greatest influencer in politics today.
Share on social media.

Article
Archives

What the Bible Says About: Government Spending
Memorial Day 2023
How Does Your State Legislature Work?
Importance of Special Elections
2023 School Board Elections
What the Bible Says About: Parental Rights
National Day of Prayer 2023
Can One Person Make a Difference?
Way Maker
The Speaker’s Battle: What Was Gained?
How Much Power Does the Speaker Have?
Timeless Advice from a Model President
How Did iVoterGuide Begin?
Is There A Wall of Separation Between Church and State?
Join Us in Actively Praying for 2023
The Second Most Important Thing…
Thank You for Your Feedback!
"The Government Shall be Upon His Shoulder"
The Conservative Current
Ranked Choices and Lost Voices
What is Ranked Choice Voting?
"Duty is Ours; Results are God’s"
Join me in Petitioning God on Behalf of Our Country
Ballot Measures: What Does That Mean?
Your Freedom is Under Attack
Decoding the Left's Lies
Why Vote?
Does One Vote Matter?
Saving the Constitution
The Elephant/Donkey in the Room
Do More Than Vote
Updated Candidate Questions for Today's Issues
Take Advantage of our Candidate Questionnaires
Understanding Candidate Profiles
Judicial Candidate Evaluations
Answered Prayers
The Importance of Primary Elections
Pray for Our Country
Tribute to Richard Ford
Tools to Help You Reach Your Neighbors
Protect Our Children
Free Church Outreach Materials
What Candidate Ratings Really Mean
Importance of Panelists
The Blessings of Religious Liberty
Lessons from a Day of Infamy
A Bold Response
The First Thanksgiving
Debunking the Left’s Arguments on Abortion
How Does Redistricting Affect You?
State Powers vs. Federal Powers
Life or Death Voting
Dobbs vs Jackson
The Importance of Worldview
Pray for the Supreme Court
Why Do We Do What We Do?
20 Years Ago
Take Courage
Separation of Powers
Immigration Issues and the Bible
Supreme Court Victories
When Justice Goes Packing
Who's Winning?
The Flag is Under Attack
Five Ways to Spot Fake "Facts"
What Is the Filibuster and How Does It Work?
Saving Our Kids From CSE
Presidential Power vs. The People
How to Contact Congress
School Board 101
Toward a Nation That is Good and Free
Political Parties: What Do They Stand For?
How and Why We Partner
Election Ripple Effect