Question

Imagine that you are a campaign manager who wants to increase voter turnout. Based on what you just learned, what are some of the things you should do?

Write a response in the form of at least three to four complete sentences.

Answer 1

I would prioritize personal, high-contact outreach because door-to-door canvassing and live phone calls have the largest proven effects on turnout; trained volunteers should have scripts that include asking for a voting plan (when, where, how) and getting a signed pledge. I would send timely, simple reminders by mail, text, and email that state registration deadlines, polling location, hours, and ID requirements, and follow up with a reminder the day before and the morning of Election Day. I would mobilize social networks and community leaders to create social-norm pressure (e.g., neighbor-to-neighbor messages) and use commitment devices like public pledges to reinforce follow-through. Finally, I would remove logistical barriers by offering information and assistance for absentee ballots, early voting, transportation and childcare, and I would run small randomized tests to see which tactics work best with our target groups while staying within legal and ethical rules.