Nancy Mion & Judith McGinn
NYS Public Policy Directors

Do not assume that everyone knows when election day is (November 6, 2007) or where their polling place is. And even if they do, they may simple forget or feel it's not worth their time.

Goal
The aim of your branch's Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts should be to encourage people to register to vote and do just that - VOTE! Remind people where they go to vote and when.

Venue
Anyplace and everyplace is a great place to GOTV.

Timeframe
Your efforts will have the most impact in October and November right up to election day.

How
There are many ways to GOTV. Get creative and have fun.

Put up posters in store fronts, leave flyers in doctors' offices, handout bookmarks at the library. You can work with the Girl Scouts to design the flyers, posters and bookmarks. Or work with a college intern studying marketing or design.

Put up lawn signs, wear buttons - get the word out!

If you read an article in the newspaper or a magazine on one of AAUW's public policy issues, write a letter to editor.

Set up a phone tree. A phone tree is a prearranged, pyramid-shaped system for activating a group of people by telephone. Using the phone tree system can spread a brief message quickly and efficiently to a large number of people. Visit the Association web site for step-by-step instructions.

Consider creating a partnership with area assisted-living facilities to drive people in need to the polls.