THE FAMILY FOUNDATION

P. O. Box 22100, Lexington, KY 40522

Phone: 859-255-5400

What can YOU do? Get 'em registered to vote!
A "How-To" guide for a one-day church voter registration drive
From, The Kentucky Citizen Digest, July/August 2002

Although the November 5^th general election is still a good way off, campaigns across Kentucky are already reaching heated and sometimes controversial levels, and getting the most votes is obviously the name of the game. But candidates aren’t the only ones who have an interest in seeing people registered to vote. Families throughout the commonwealth are strengthened when pro-family voters turn out on Election Day, and churches can play a key role in getting that done.

One of the most frequent and important questions raised by churches is how to get more of their members registered to vote. The process of voter registration has actually been made surprisingly simple, yet exactly how to do this is not always readily apparent. The Family Foundation has sponsored such drives in the past, but experience has shown that effectiveness, efficiency, and expedience work together best when each church assumes responsibility for signing up its own members. According to the Commonwealth of Kentucky State Board of Elections Checklist for Voter Registration Drives, the following five steps will enable congregations to easily navigate the waters.

STEP 1: Obtain Permission

Should you desire to oversee voter registration in your church, it’s always a good idea to obtain permission from your pastor first. This is simply a show of respect for the leader who must coordinate all the programs and activities of the church, not just this one.

STEP 2: Contact Your County Clerk

Voter registration cards may be obtained by visiting your local county clerk’s office. Some counties restrict the number of cards that can be picked up at one time (typically between 20-50), but additional cards may be ordered from the State Board of Elections. Other counties place no restrictions on quantity. Also, an online voter registration card may be printed out from the Board’s website (www.kysos.com/elecdiv.htm). Different counties may offer additional services to churches, so ask questions.

STEP 3: Inform the Congregation

Explain to the entire congregation the importance and need for registration. It might be a good idea to highlight current issues that are of concern to the congregation and to remind them that their vote is a powerful voice on those issues. The more members who hear the message, the more mutual influence each will likely have. This will result in larger numbers of members registering—and exercising their right—to vote on Election Day. Be sure to announce the day and time the registration will take place.

STEP 4: Meet On Registration Day

Attention to a few details will ensure that your effort pays off. Keep in mind that all registration cards must be filled out completely in order to avoid delays in processing the application. The following information must be provided by each registrant:

* a complete residential address, a complete mailing address (if different from the residential address),

* a choice of political party registration, and

* the applicant’s date of birth.

Two witnesses will be needed for any voter who uses a "mark" as his/her signature. IMPORTANT! Remember that individuals may not be instructed to vote for a particular party! This must be each individual’s choice. Also, current registered voters may change their party registration, name, and/or residential address (which can be done at any time on or before December 31^st for the following primary election).

STEP 5: Return Registration Cards

All registration cards must be turned in—in bulk or by any individual—to the county clerk’s office at least 29 days prior to the November election in order to ensure voter eligibility. When turning in cards, be sure to obtain a receipt as proof that materials have been received for processing. Within about three weeks, each new voter will be mailed an acknowledgment card indicating his/her precinct name and voting location address. DO NOT forward cards to the State Board of Elections.

So as candidates sweat it out over campaigns, funding, and district lines, church voter registration should be a relatively painless process--and one that can yield promising results for the family.

For additional information, contact the State Board of Elections in Frankfort at 502-573-7100 or the Kentucky Secretary of State at 502-564-3490.


Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander , Executive Director Martin Cothran , Senior Associate Policy Analyst