Why Alabama Nonprofits Belong at the Heart of Voter Engagement
Nonprofits play a vital role in building a strong, participatory democracy in Alabama. As trusted leaders in the communities they serve, nonprofit organizations are uniquely positioned to encourage civic engagement and help ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
Closing the gap between eligibility and participation
Voting is one of the most important ways people shape the future of their communities. Yet many eligible voters face real barriers to participating, from limited access to reliable information to simply never being asked. Nonprofits can help bridge that gap by offering nonpartisan voter education, sharing accurate election information, and encouraging people to make a plan to vote.
The results are measurable
When nonprofits engage their staff, volunteers, clients, and supporters in nonpartisan voter outreach, participation goes up. Nonprofit VOTE, a national leader in this work, has seen the impact firsthand.
"Nonprofits know their communities and understand how to reach people who are too often left out of the voting process. We also know this work has an impact. Our research found that voters engaged by nonprofits turned out at rates 10 percentage points higher than comparable voters. This guide gives nonprofits practical, nonpartisan resources to build voter engagement into the work they're already doing in their communities."
— Brian Miller, Executive Director, Nonprofit VOTE
By helping Alabamians understand when, where, and how to vote, nonprofits strengthen their communities and support a healthier democracy.
A new guide for Alabama nonprofits
That's why the Alabama Association of Nonprofits partnered with Nonprofit VOTE to create the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide, a practical resource designed to help your organization promote civic participation while remaining strictly nonpartisan.
Inside, you'll find tools to support:
- Voter registration efforts at your programs and events
- Candidate forums that inform without endorsing
- Voter education on dates, polling places, and how to vote
- Outreach that helps the people you serve participate in elections
You don't need to launch a new program to make a difference. The guide is built to fit into the work you're already doing.
Stronger participation, stronger communities
Together, Alabama nonprofits can help build a more engaged electorate, one where everyone is encouraged to vote according to their own values and has a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
Key dates for the November 3 General Election
Share these deadlines from Secretary of State Wes Allen with your staff, volunteers, and the people you serve:
- October 19: Voter registration deadline
- October 27: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail
- October 29: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
- November 2: Last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot
- November 3: Election Day. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon.
When more people participate, Alabama communities become stronger, more representative, and better equipped to thrive.