If you are already registered to vote, get active! There are plenty of ways to stay engaged in the 2024 election before November—your time, money, and voice fuel campaigns. You have a say this election season, so here are a few ways to use it.
Serving as a Poll Worker or Poll Watcher
If you want a role at the polls, consider applying to be a poll watcher or worker. Poll workers (election officials or judges) verify voter identification, issue ballots, set up and test equipment, tally ballots, and assist voters. Poll workers are expected to ensure the voting process goes smoothly and are usually compensated. Serving as a poll worker is a great way to get involved in the election process – regardless of your political affiliation or the candidate’s.
On the other hand, poll watchers monitor the integrity of the election process by observing its procedure and reporting any irregularities. Because they have no legal authority, they are not allowed to touch ballots or voting equipment. Poll watchers are appointed by political parties, candidates, or nonpartisan organizations and must meet state-specific qualifications. To become a poll watcher, contact the campaign, political party, organization of your choice, or the state’s election authorities. Poll workers and watchers can support the integrity of the election itself.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day was held on August 1st by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and poll workers were recognized for their hard work and admirable civic engagement. You can sign up to be a poll worker here. You can check out The Policy Circle’s Election Series page for more information.
Volunteering for a Campaign
Citizens can make a huge difference by offering their time. You can go door-to-door to discuss a candidate’s platform with other voters or use phone banking to encourage voter turnout. Hosting meet-and-greets for the candidate is helpful as well. Citizens can show support with campaign yard signs or by serving as campaign representatives at polling locations. Candidates typically have volunteer information on their websites, but you can also contact the political party directly.
To get involved in an election as a volunteer, you can find political party involvement opportunities near you or visit your state’s local election offices.
Education & Advocacy
After educating yourself on the 2024 election, start conversations in your community to raise awareness about the importance of voting and the details of this election season. Citizens can write op-eds, participate in public forums, and contact their representatives to advocate for solid election laws. For assistance writing an op-ed, check out The Policy Circle’s How to Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor.
Donations
There are several ways to support a candidate financially. You can contribute directly to the candidate’s committee, their party committee, or a political action committee (PAC). To donate to a candidate directly, you can typically go to their website and find a “Donate Now” option. More generally, you can support political party committees and their party-building activities to support multiple candidates within a political party. You can select a PAC or super PAC that aligns with your views, visit their website, and donate.
Remember that there are federal and state regulations on political donations, including limits on who can contribute to certain organizations and the amount you can contribute. For more information on these regulations, check out The Federal Election Commission and The Policy Circle’s Campaign Finance Deep Dive.
Conclusion
There are numerous ways to engage this election season and stay well-informed about your nation’s leadership beyond just voting. Your efforts, both financially and otherwise, make a difference each election season. Start a conversation in your community and encourage others to vote.
We want to hear how you are engaging in the election process and how it impacts your community! Complete this form to share your story.
For updates and resources, visit and bookmark The Policy Circle’s Election Series page.