Get Out the Vote!

Election season is coming and the importance of free and fair elections, voter participation, and a representative government couldn’t be more evident.  Each of us as individuals and through our organizations – funder,  nonprofit, or business -  can play a role.   This is a good time to be thinking about how you and your group can help.

  • Keep an eye out for resources that you can share focused on Get out the Vote and nonpartisan information on ballot issues.

    • Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) will be one such source.

    • Vote411 produced by the League of Women Voters Education Fund provides comprehensive resources for elections and voter registration by state.

  • Know what your organization can do relative to Get out the Vote and advocacy.

    • MANP and Bolder Advocacy are fantastic resources for nonprofits and philanthropies.

  • Encourage staff, volunteers, and members to vote.

  • Help get the word out that redistricting may have led to changes in polling places necessitating verification of where to vote before heading to the polls in November.

Funders!  We can do more to support this work that is essential for all we care about including:

  • Provide operating grants to the many organizations working tirelessly on policy and democracy need our support.

  • Provide flexible and rapid funding to address emerging needs for Get out the Vote efforts.

The Sewall Foundation is honored to support amazing nonprofit partners working tirelessly for free and fair elections and participation in the democratic process through our Keystone focus area.  This year we are pleased to support a number of new (to us at least!) organizations including:

  • Community Organizing Alliance – a social justice, civic engagement organization that centers the voices and experiences of BIPOC and low-income Mainers to ensure they are empowered and engaged in their communities

  • Maine Voices Network – working in collaboration to increase access, engagement, and representation in government and implementing long-term strategies for socially responsible policy

Laura Dover