Facts In Action

In addition to the voting classroom activities suggested in this issue’s In the Classroom, there are many things you can do with parents and staff to promote the importance of voting. Running your own voter registration drive or extending your operating hours so that parents can get to the polls are two examples of the multitude of activities early care and education providers can do to get out the vote on Election Day 2004.

Run a voter registration drive.

• Obtain voter registration forms and make them available to staff and parents. Registration forms can be obtained from the local election office or Boston VOTE and are available in multiple languages. Filled-in forms should then be sent to the city or town election office to complete the registration process. Partner with the local Association for Education of Young Children (AEYC) or the League of Women Voters to conduct a voter registration drive at your center.
• Alternatively, work with these partners to host a voters registration booth at a regional conference.

Promote Election Day.

• Hang flyers around your facility reminding parents and staff that November 2nd is Election Day and about the polls’ voting hours.
• Extend your hours on Election Day to help parents get to the polls before or after work. In Massachusetts the polls open no later than 7 am and close at 8 pm.
• Help parents and staff identify their Representatives and where to vote at http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
• Direct new voters to
  http://www.massvote.net/site/PageServer?pagename=voter_info
  for answers to frequently asked questions. Editor's note: This url has changed: http://www.massvote.org/Voter_Info.htm]
• Obtain voter registration forms from:
  • Boston Elections Dept. (617) 635-4635
    http://www.cityofboston.gov/elections/
  • Massachusetts Election Division 1-800-462-VOTE
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/
  • Boston VOTE (617) 542-VOTE
    http://www.bostonvote.org/

Facts in Action, October 2004