OVERCOMING EXCUSES BY NON-PROFITS

 

Parts reproduced from www.nationalhomeless.org

 

"My agency is not allowed to do voter registration."

 

Non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations can operate voter registration drives if they do so in a non-partisan manner. In fact, Section lb of the National Voter Registration Act encourages all non-governmental entities to register their clients. As a non-profit you can register people to vote, but you cannot take positions on candidates.

 

If your agency has a contract with the City of New York , please be aware that you

may be REQUIRED to engage in voter registration: According to Section 1057-a of the City Charter , agencies that contract with the City and have regular contact with the public in the daily administration of their business are required to provide and distribute voter registration forms to

all persons together with written applications for services, renewal or re-certification for services, and change of address relating to such services. This law not only mandates most human services providers in the City to perform voter registration services, but also authorizes the

termination of a contract for noncompliance.

 

 

"My agency doesn't have the staff or volunteers to do voter registration."

 

We're all strapped for time, but you can make it easy. Here are some ideas:

 

  • Appoint one person, either staff or volunteer, to be a coordinator.
  • Make it part of your intake or exit interview process. Add to your forms: "If you are not registered where you now live, would you like to register today?"
  • Put up signs announcing that people can "Register to Vote Here."
  • Have outreach workers do voter registration.
  • Get volunteers and clients to help.

 

 

"Clients are not interested in the issues."

 

Our experience is that clients want to vote and do vote, if barriers to their exercising this basic right are removed. Studies show that 70% of those registered to vote by volunteer efforts in welfare and food stamp offices actually go to the polls and vote in presidential elections. Low income people are no more or less interested in politics than you or I. Please don't let your attitude be a barrier. Our clients are often disconnected from community life. Voting helps them reconnect with their community in a positive way.

 

 

 

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