5 Last-Minute Ways to Get Involved in the 2024 Elections

Election day is just a few days away. While many people have already cast their votes for the 2024 elections participate in the early votingthe official election day will take place on Tuesday, November 5. As the big day draws closer, the most important thing you can do is make sure you can vote if you haven’t already (this includes be prepared and have a plan on the day of) and of course to actually vote. But those aren’t the only things you can do.

While it may seem like there isn’t much else that can be done so close to Election Day, there are actually quite a few last-minute ways to be part of the process this election when it comes to advocating for the candidates and the issues that concerns you. care and inspire others to get out there and make sure *their* voices are heard this election too.

If you want to make sure you’ve done all you can by the end of Election Day, here are five last-minute ways to get involved in the 2024 elections (besides voting) to really make a difference in your community, on your campus, and for the country.

1. Ensure that voting takes place through student organizations

If you are an e-board member of an organization on campus – a fraternity, club, intramural sports team, and other similar organizations – use your organization’s social media account and post a photo, video, or story to remind followers and club members remind them about the importance of voting on this election day and make sure they make time to vote. You can also post a reminder in your club group chats or spread the word verbally if your club meets before Tuesday. If you are not an e-board member of an organization but know someone who is, it is a good idea to mention this to them as they can help spread the word for you.

2. Host an in-person or virtual organizational event

Likewise, there is also the opportunity for campus organizations to host an in-person or virtual Election Day event with the goal of encouraging students to get out and vote. Some ideas include an election-themed trivia night where there is a prize for the winner, an election-themed baking, painting or journaling event, or an election-related information session where students have a chance to ask questions or raise any concerns . they might have something about voting. Two campus organizations can even team up for a pageant-themed event or giveaway to gain the attention of other students outside your organization.

This idea doesn’t have to apply only to campus organizations. You can organize a meeting with your friends in your dorm or in the city and simply spread the word to the people in your inner circle to vote too.

3. Hand out flyers

This one is good if you just want to get out there yourself and inform others in a quick and easy way. Just go around campus and hand out flyers to students. This flyer can include any important information about election day that students may need to be aware of, such as their local polling place, if any rideshare deals for students who may need assistance with transportation, opening hours of a particular polling station, and so on. That’s also possible use Canva to generate a QR code that students can easily look for a quick and environmentally friendly alternative that they can read on their phone while walking around campus. Just make sure in advance that it’s okay for your school to hand out your own flyers, as some colleges may require approval first.

4. Contact potential voters through canvassing or phone banking

If you want to have direct interaction with potential voters, consider canvassing. This is when people go door to door or call people to endorse a specific candidate or issue they support. You can provide people with more information about specific policies, plans, or just information about local polling places and voting procedures to ensure people are informed when it comes to voting on Election Day, which can in turn increase voter turnout. Sometimes having a single heart-to-heart conversation with someone is all it takes to convince others that their voice really matters.

5. Donate to your candidate of choice

If you don’t have the ability or time to fundraise or organize an event, another great opportunity is to support a candidate by donating to their campaign. Donations can help providing additional staff for the campaigns, supplies for volunteers, advertising for candidates to help them win over undecided voters – yes, even so close to Election Day.

Bestie, do you *actually* know how to vote? We’ve got everything you need to make sure you’re fully prepared for November 5th. Visit HowToActuallyVote.com for a step-by-step guide to creating your voting plan.