The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) is gearing up to make a big splash on college campuses across the United States this National Voter Registration Day. This nonpartisan initiative is dedicated to improving civic learning, political engagement, and voter participation among college students. ALL IN’s influence is far-reaching, with more than 1,030 campuses participating across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. This network serves over 9.9 million students, including 232 community colleges, 256 minority-serving institutions, 158 Hispanic-serving institutions, and 47 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).

Young people represent a critical voting bloc in American politics, with more than 40 million Gen Zers preparing to vote in 2024. However, as Jen Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of ALL IN, points out, college students face unique challenges when it comes to voting. Many have turned 18 recently and may be voting for the first time. Additionally, students often move for college, which can complicate their voter registration status.

ALL IN has identified several measures that significantly impact ballot access for young voters. States offering same-day voter registration see notably higher turnout among young voters. States that automatically register young people when they interact with government agencies see a 3.5 point increase in youth turnout. Pre-registration, which allows 17-year-olds to register to vote if they will be 18 at the time of the next election, has registered more than 2.1 million teenagers across the country since 2016. In the 2020 election, states with wider access to vote-by-mail saw an average youth turnout rate of 57%, compared to only 42% in states with more limited vote by mail policies.

ALL IN empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement through a structured program that provides students with support and recognition. Their approach includes convening campus-wide voting coalitions, developing data-informed action plans to increase student voting rates, and participating in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) to track student voter registration and turnout. “Campuses that join ALL IN develop and implement a data-informed action plan to increase student voting rates, which we’ve seen successfully increase voter registration rates on campus,” Domagal-Goldman explains.

For National Voter Registration Day 2024, ALL IN is mobilizing its extensive network of campuses. Their efforts include email outreach, social media campaigns, and on-campus registration events. But their work doesn’t stop there: ALL IN is committed to “making democratic engagement programs a defining feature of campus life and culture—this NVRD and beyond.” By focusing on recruiting and supporting community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions, ALL IN is also working to close student voter participation gaps based on demographics such as age and race. They also recognize that it’s important to lift up our wins in this line of work, which is why they celebrate the achievements of their university and college partners during their biennial awards ceremony.

At the end of the day, for ALL IN, NVRD poses the perfect opportunity to nurture an active, informed citizenry by “educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation.” Based on ALL IN’s track record and plans for the holiday, we have no doubt they’ll continue to make major contributions to efforts bringing young Americans into the fold of our democracy, getting them fired up to make their voices heard in this, and every, election.

As National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) approaches, we’re featuring Dominicanos USA (DUSA) for its powerful, dedicated efforts in empowering Dominican-Americans and other Latino communities through voter registration and civic engagement initiatives.

Founded in 2013 and based in Manhattan, New York, DUSA is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization with a clear mission “to empower the Dominican-American community and give them a voice through civic, social, and economic engagement.” Part of this mission is fulfilled through voter registration and mobilization campaigns, citizenship application assistance, and more recently, technology and esports initiatives.

DUSA’s impact is evident in their impressive numbers. Since their founding, they’ve achieved 185,000 voter registrations in the northeast, and over 116,229 in NY alone. These unparalleled outreach metrics have been achieved through effective peer-to-peer communication, social media, and data analytics.

The organization has been a dedicated participant in National Voter Registration Day since 2016. Their approach combines on-the-ground efforts with digital strategies. For instance, during NVRD 2022, DUSA launched a digital campaign that reached over 3,100 individuals through email, social media, and Google ads. They also partnered with the Castle Hill YMCA in the Bronx, setting up a table to register members to vote and provide crucial information about voting.

DUSA’s strategies for mobilizing their community are diverse and targeted. They collaborate with other organizations, run social media campaigns, recruit and train volunteers, distribute informational materials at events like the annual Dominican Parade, and encourage community members to spread the word about the importance of voter registration.

One of their most exciting initiatives is the Youth Ambassadors program, launched in 2022. This program is driven by the power of relational organizing, training youth organizers to reach out to their network of family and friends during voter registration and mobilization campaigns. As Eddie Cuesta explains, “Youth ambassador training empowers these young people to become leaders in the community and to learn important lessons about how voting impacts elections and policy decisions.”

The program has seen significant success, with over 90 high school students from various New York City schools completing it. These students come from schools such as the International School of Liberal Arts (ISLA) on the Walton Campus, English Language Learners and International Support Preparatory Academy (ELLIS), Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, and others.

Despite their many successes, DUSA is acutely aware of the challenges in engaging voters. They cite apathy as a significant issue, with the group’s leadership stating that some community members simply believe “that their vote doesn’t count or make a difference.” Misinformation is another hurdle, particularly, they say, around “understanding the importance of enrolling in a political party so they can vote in the primaries.”

To address these challenges, DUSA focuses on educational campaigns and creates user-friendly materials that aim to overcome any language barriers by being concise and easy to understand in English as well as Spanish. Their approach is rooted in their deep connection to the Dominican community; as Cuesta puts it, “Our shared ethnic background, culture, and language allow us to relate authentically to our community, though we recognize and respect its diversity.”

DUSA is embracing digital tools to reach their communities about voter registration. Their Youth Ambassadors host a podcast called “Civics Chat: Empowering Youth in Democracy,” available on YouTube and Spotify. The ambassadors also create individual content on voter registration, issues important to youth, and why voting matters, which is posted on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

As you can probably guess from all of these grassroots initiatives, volunteers are crucial to DUSA’s efforts. They help manage registration points, promote events, provide information about the voting process, and assist individuals with registration. As Cuesta explains, “their participation will be essential to expand our reach and ensure that we connect with as many people as possible.”

Cuesta shared a touching success story about a woman named Yrayda D., whom they assisted in becoming a U.S. citizen. After helping Yrayda complete her N-400 application in March 2023, DUSA staff were delighted to see her at a USCIS swearing-in ceremony in November 2023, where she eagerly registered to vote. As Cuesta recounts, “Yrayda expressed deep gratitude for the assistance DUSA provided in helping her become a citizen and also registering her to vote so she can take full advantage of all the U.S. has to offer.”

Looking ahead to this year’s National Voter Registration Day, DUSA is coordinating with other organizations to ensure consistent messaging and planning impactful events. They’re also preparing robust follow-up actions, including “phone banking, text messages, email, and mailers” to keep newly registered voters engaged and informed about upcoming elections.

As we approach National Voter Registration Day, organizations like Dominicanos USA remind us of the power of community engagement and the importance of ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in our democracy. Through their tireless efforts and innovative approaches, they’re not just registering voters—they’re building a more inclusive and representative future for all Americans.

In a world often divided by barriers of language, trust, and access, Bacilia Angel, founder of Includus Fund, is breaking down those walls with a fresh and powerful approach: music. The “Grita. Canta. Vota” campaign (translating to “Shout. Sing. Vote”) is rallying Latino communities across the country as part of National Voter Registration Day to both register people to vote and raise their voices in celebration of their power and impact.

Bacilia’s vision is clear: “We are empowering Latinos to vote using music. We’re activating artists and we’re activating at concerts and festivals—getting people engaged and ultimately registered to vote,” she shares. This approach is all about transforming an often intimidating and confusing process into something vibrant, joyful, and culturally relevant.

“Grita. Canta. Vota” operates on a simple yet profound principle: the universal language of music. The campaign has enlisted well-known Mexican regional artists like Chiquis, Banda el Recodo, and Los Tucanes de Tijuana to carry its message. The campaign even has its own anthem—an upbeat, catchy tune called “Grita Canta Vota” by the artist Grupo Control. Available on Spotify and with a recently launched music video, the song aims to turn concerts into voter registration hubs.

The reach of the campaign extends across 10 key states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia. With the national influence of these artists, Bacilia and her team hope to motivate not just local communities, but Latinos everywhere to take pride in using their voices.

But engaging a community that often faces significant challenges when it comes to voting is no small feat. “There’s a trust issue, right?” Bacilia explains. “We’re new, and the population we’re targeting isn’t typically engaged. There’s a lot of unknowns—people don’t understand the process, they’re intimidated by it. There’s paperwork, a language barrier—so many barriers.”

For Bacilia, the key to overcoming these hurdles lies in cultural sensitivity and trusted messengers. “Many of us grew up as our parents’ translator, lawyer, accountant—all rolled into one,” she recalls. “In that same way, we need to help get people over those language barriers and register to vote.” The campaign equips volunteers to approach these concerns with empathy, understanding, and a touch of fun—complete with photo booths, artist messaging, and local organizations that have already built trust in their communities.

This year marks the first time “Grita. Canta. Vota” is participating in National Voter Registration Day, and they’re bringing fresh energy to the occasion. One of the most exciting initiatives is a national contest engaging student clubs at universities, particularly Hispanic-serving institutions. These clubs are encouraged to throw voter registration parties, complete with toolkits featuring the campaign anthem. On top of that, they’ll compete to create the best TikTok videos, with the winning club earning $1,000 to put toward their organization.

As “Grita. Canta. Vota” builds momentum, the campaign is a shining example of how creativity, culture, and community can come together to engage voters in new and meaningful ways. By leveraging the power of music and trusted voices within the Latino community, Bacilia Angel and her team are showing that voter registration doesn’t have to be a dry, bureaucratic task—it can be a celebration of democracy, culture, and collective strength.

In Bacilia’s words: “This is our moment to rise up and let our voices be heard. We’re saying, ‘We’re here, and we’re ready to be counted.’” With “Grita. Canta. Vota” leading the way, the message is clear: the time to make our voices heard is now—loud, proud, and united in song.

National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC), based in Seattle, WA represents a coalition of urban Indian nonprofits dedicated to elevating the voices of American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban communities. Their mission is clear: to sustain Indigenous values and culture through a strong network of urban Indian organizations, making them a crucial partner in our efforts to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register and vote.

NUIFC focuses on urban Native communities, a group often overlooked in traditional Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts. As they pointed out, “Urban Native people are often left out of traditional GOTV efforts, since when people consider Natives, they often think of those living on reservation communities.” To address this gap, NUIFC works with trusted community-based organizations that have unique access to these voters. This approach ensures that their voter registration efforts are inclusive and reach communities that might otherwise be missed.

Since 2020, the NUIFC’s Democracy is Indigenous cohort has been hosting NVRD events nationwide, turning the day into a true celebration of civic engagement. “Our Cohort has been having NVRD events every year since 2020 and have registered more than a thousand voters during that time frame,” they shared. “Each one of our organizations looks forward to joining in and putting on an NVRD event.”

This consistent participation has allowed NUIFC’s member organizations to create traditions around NVRD. The NUIFC leadership team highlighted one such success story: “It’s been a joy to watch an organization, like Rock the Native Vote (RNV) in Oklahoma City, build a tradition around NVRD and have it become something they are talking about at the start of the year.” Starting in 2020, RNV transformed NVRD into a city-wide celebration in Oklahoma City, complete with traditional Native dancers, food trucks, a ferris wheel, and an official proclamation from the mayor.

Building on this success, RNV expanded their efforts in 2022 to include more than 10 concurrent events across Oklahoma. Over the past five years, RNV has become a powerhouse of civic engagement, working with partners like Voto Latino to increase voter turnout and even helping to elect the first Latino to the Oklahoma City Council. They’ve hosted over 100 community events focused on civic engagement, organized a network of statewide events for NVRD, and pursued a visible public media strategy with billboards and bus signs seen by hundreds of thousands of people.

As a national convener, NUIFC’s role is to support and amplify the efforts of the 24 organizations in their Democracy is Indigenous cohort. These local nonprofits are the ones on the ground, directly engaging with voters. Based on the success of organizations RNV, it’s clear NUIFC’s support and commitment to making sure urban Native voices are heard is paying off.

To continue to build on their efforts, NUIFC is pulling out all the stops for this year’s NVRD, working hard to ensure their member organizations are well-prepared—they’ve been discussing event ideas with their cohort since their gathering in May. “The NUIFC will be sending out thousands of civic engagement themed items and resources out to our Cohort over the next few weeks,” they explained. This includes voter registration handouts, a special Democracy Is Indigenous (DII) swag package that includes a set of NUIFC DII T-shirts. “We are providing our organizations information that we get from NVRD so they can make sure the messaging is in line with everyone else’s,” they shared. They also collect photos and stories about the work their cohort is doing to amplify NVRD, spreading the holiday’s message of civic engagement across their national social media platforms.

As we count down to National Voter Registration Day, we’re thrilled to have partners like the National Urban Indian Family Coalition on board. Their dedication to engaging urban Native communities in the democratic process is truly inspiring. By working with trusted local organizations, providing resources, and leveraging both traditional and digital outreach methods, NUIFC is helping to ensure that every eligible Native voter in urban areas has the opportunity to make their voice heard.

Based in Washington, DC, APIAVote (Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote) is the nation’s leading nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities by fostering a culture of civic engagement that’s as diverse and vibrant as the constituency they serve.

APIAVote understands the power of collaboration, utilizing a broad and sweeping network of national, regional, and local partnerships that spans the nation. By equipping them with training, tools, investment resources, and best practices, they empower their partners to become trusted messengers in their communities.

APIAVote isn’t content with a one-size-fits-all approach to voter engagement. Being rooted in the diverse tapestry of the country’s AAPI cultures and communities, they understand that their efforts are as effective as they are accessible. That’s why APIAVote coordinates its national multi-touch voter engagement strategy to reach AAPI households with several rounds of mail, phone calls, texts, and digital ads that are developed to visually reflect each community and be translated into different AAPI languages to overcome language barriers and make voting accessible to all.

APIAVote is also empowering its national network of grassroots partners to register new and eligible voters. Every year, APIAVote provides, free of charge to its network, educational materials and toolkits, access to the Rock the Vote online voter registration tool, and the benefit of targeted digital ads in battleground states to maximize outreach. And yes, you guessed it—these digital materials will also be translated, ensuring that language is never an obstacle to civic participation.

So, why is APIAVote so pumped about National Voter Registration Day? In their words, “We are proud to have helped found NVRD as one of the original executive committee members. Voter registration is the first step towards participation in elections, NVRD is a hugely important national event to engage and mobilize potential voters, including youth and new citizens.” 

As we look forward to this year’s National Voter Registration Day, APIAVote’s efforts shine as a beacon of what’s possible when organizations commit to ensuring civic engagement is truly inclusive. As America’s electorate becomes increasingly diverse, their multilingual, community-centric approach, digital savvy, and collaborative spirit are all raising the bar for voter outreach in the 21st century.

But what’s most inspiring about APIAVote’s work is the way they support and uplift their community through civic engagement. They’re not just registering voters; they’re nurturing a culture of participation, one that focuses on welcoming Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities as vital participants in American democracy.

Based in New York City, HeadCount has a unique approach to voter engagement. They combine the power of music, culture, and digital media to register voters and inspire democratic participation. Their reach is impressive – they’ve registered over one million voters through partnerships with big-name musicians like Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and Billie Eilish, as well as organizations like Global Citizen and major events such as Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

HeadCount’s commitment to NVRD runs deep. As a founding partner, they’ve participated every year since the holiday’s inaugural celebration in 2012, making the annual celebration of democracy a cornerstone of their annual programming by way of field campaigns, digital initiatives, and celebrity partnerships.

This year, HeadCount is pulling out all the stops. They’re planning close to 100 field activations across the country, including their signature block party in New York City. As Senior Director of Programming & Strategy Tappan Vickery put it, “We hope to have close to 100 field activations, including our block party in NYC. We are excited to again work with Spotify for in-app notifications on NVRD and support their program, which reaches millions.”

But HeadCount’s voter registration efforts extend far beyond a single day in mid September. They’ve built a network of about 160 Team Leaders in 36 states who are already working to set up community events and confirm volunteers for NVRD. Their partnership model is a key strength, leveraging relationships with musicians, creators, brands, and cultural leaders to amplify their message.

Digital innovation plays a crucial role in HeadCount’s strategy, as they offer real-time voter registration status checks in the field and run “Good to Vote” sweepstakes campaigns to incentivize participation. “Our impact has more than doubled between cycles in recent years thanks to innovation in our digital infrastructure,” said Vickery.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of HeadCount’s operations. With over 60,000 volunteers participating in more than 1,500 events each year, they meet young people where they’re at—concerts and online—to inform and empower them.

For NVRD 2024, HeadCount has some exciting plans in the works. Their annual day-long block party in NYC promises to be a highlight. “We are waiting on final confirmation on permits, but ideally this will be in Washington Square Park and will be in partnership with the city and NYU,” Tim Bramlette, Senior Director of Partnerships and Marketing shared. The event will feature about 100 volunteers conducting a broad-based street and subway canvass throughout the city.

HeadCount is also incorporating their VoteHBCU Tour into NVRD activities, focusing on engaging students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. On the digital front, they’re planning to run numerous “Good to Vote” sweepstakes, with participating talent to be announced.

The organization’s past successes on NVRD are truly awe-inspiring. In 2012, their first “clipboard campaign” on Facebook registered 40,000 people online in a single day through 175 participating artists. This moment was a game-changer, not just for HeadCount but for how artists engage their fans around the topic of voter registration. This year, a special feature of their digital campaign includes a mailing with artists in partnership with Tony’s Chocolonely. Keep an eye out for the celebratory (and delicious) posts in September!  

HeadCount’s efforts don’t stop at registration: they follow up with newly registered voters, sending geo-targeted get-out-the-vote emails and text messages right up to Election Day. These communications provide crucial information about voting options, ID requirements, and Election Protection resources.

As we approach National Voter Registration Day, HeadCount’s innovative and energetic approach serves as an inspiring example of how organizations can leverage culture, technology, and community engagement to strengthen democracy. 

As National Voter Registration Day approaches, organizations across the country are gearing up to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. One such organization is NVRD Premier Partner CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers, an international nonprofit that’s been stepping up to make voter registration a priority since 2018.

With over 375 member LGBTQ centers worldwide, CenterLink is on a mission to strengthen, support, and connect LGBTQ community centers. While they’ve strived to make voter registration a component of their work, the central pillars of their mission remain providing essential services and promoting growth, wellness, and connectivity in LGBTQ+ communities both here in the United States and around the world.

When it comes to National Voter Registration Day, CenterLink doesn’t just participate – they go all out. Since 2018, they’ve been engaging and registering thousands of LGBTQ+ voters across the nation.

“The LGBTQ+ community includes people from all racial, ethnic, gender, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds,” said CenterLink Director of Policy and Advocacy Tanya Tassi. “That means we are uniquely positioned to improve voter turnout and make a difference in election results.” But how exactly does CenterLink mobilize their community for voter registration? Well, they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve:

1. Monthly Get Out The Vote newsletter: It’s packed with links to check registration status and find polling places. Voting info delivered straight to your inbox? Yes, please!
2. Nonprofit education: CenterLink knows the ropes when it comes to what 501c3 organizations can and can’t do when it comes to voter registration and engagement. They’re spreading that knowledge to their member centers, ensuring everyone stays on the right side of the law while maximizing their impact.
3. Website resources: They’ve dedicated an entire page on their website to voter registration info. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about registering and why your vote matters.

But CenterLink isn’t going it alone. They’re teaming up with other organizations to amplify their efforts. They’re on the steering committee of ‘Pride to the Polls’, a tool created by the Human Rights Campaign. This nifty resource allows LGBTQ+ voters to pledge to vote, check their registration status, and see what’s on their ballot.

They’re also branching out beyond the LGBTQ+ community. CenterLink has partnered with the Hip Hop Caucus and Transform the Vote, hosting webinars for their member centers on engaging often-overlooked communities in voter registration. It’s all about spreading the love (and the votes) far and wide!

Of course, no good deed goes unchallenged. CenterLink faces some unique hurdles in their voter registration efforts, particularly when it comes to the transgender community. “One major challenge is convincing the LGBTQ+ community – especially the transgender community – that voting is necessary and safe,” Tassi explains. Different state laws on gender marker changes can make registering and voting a complex process for trans individuals.

But CenterLink isn’t backing down from this challenge. They’re constantly educating their member centers on supporting trans clients with voter registration. They’ve also partnered with trans-led organizations to offer free name change clinics, rides to the polls, and legal assistance with name and gender changes. Whatever the initiative, CenterLink begins and ends with the mission of breaking down barriers and making voting accessible for everyone.

In the digital age, CenterLink knows that online outreach is key and that’s why they’ve made a point to leverage digital marketing and social media to encourage LGBTQ+ people to register. They’re not just using the amazing toolkits provided by the National Voter Registration Day team – they’ve created their own GOTV toolkit for their member centers to use year-round.

And here’s the cherry on top: To celebrate their 30th anniversary, CenterLink is launching a campaign called “30 reasons why the LGBTQ+ Community Should Register and Vote”. It’s a creative way to drive home the importance of civic participation while marking a significant milestone for the organization.

As National Voter Registration Day draws near, CenterLink is proving that voter registration can be both important and exciting. They’re breaking down barriers, forging partnerships, and using every tool at their disposal to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard at the ballot box.