2024 Voter Guide

Get department commitment- Reach out to your coaches, administrative support staff (student services), or SAAC leaders to ask for their support in sponsoring a nonpartisan civic effort this year.

Look for opportunities to do something during times that your team - or all student athletes naturally gather, like back to school events and meetings and/or media days.

Check out this email template you may use to reach out to coaches and administrators

Frequently Asked by Coaches:

1. What are civic drills?

Nonpartisan activities related to civic and citizen empowerment

2. What is the desired outcome?

100% voter participation, meaningful civic experiences, understanding of how to shape the future.

3. What is the follow-up to engagement?

Engage others! Tell your story on social media.

Build your team foundation- Explore with your team or fellow student athletes what it means to be an engaged citizen in the context of being a good teammate. It is important to create respectful spaces in which discussions can acknowledge differing opinions on civic issues among teammates.

TALK- Start by opening a discussion with your team about purpose

• What issues matter to you and why?
• What does being civically engaged mean to you as an individuals?
• What does it mean to you all as a team, and as a community?

COMMIT- Make a commitment as a team:

• How do you want to show up for each other?
• Commit to vote individually and/or as a team
• Decide how you will vote (vote early, absentee ballot, in person)
• Help others register and vote
• Use your influence/platform to inspire others
• Help with campus efforts on election day or at polls
• Other ideas?!

Make a plan- get ready to vote as a team.  Go over these key voting questions:

WHERE

• 1. Where will you vote? (at home or on campus)
• 2. Are you currently registered to vote in that state?

HOW 

• 1. Check dates and requirements of the state you plan to vote in.
• 2. Do you need and have a valid voter ID?
• 3. Do you plan to vote by mail or in person? (If by mail, plan to request absentee ballot)
• How will you get to the polls?

WHEN

• 1. Check if campus will have an early voting option or where polling place is on election day
• 2. Set up reminders for your team, if helpful

Post key local dates and events in the locker room and/or on social media.

Recruit athletes to join Civic Tailgating Watch Party on September 9th. Have voter registration materials ready.

Build your team foundation- Explore with your team or fellow student athletes what it means to be an engaged citizen in the context of being a good teammate. It is important to create respectful spaces in which discussions can acknowledge differing opinions on civic issues among teammates.

TALK- Start by opening a discussion with your team about purpose

• What issues matter to you and why?
• What does being civically engaged mean to you as an individuals?
• What does it mean to you all as a team, and as a community?

COMMIT- Make a commitment as a team:

• How do you want to show up for each other?
• Commit to vote individually and/or as a team
• Decide how you will vote (vote early, absentee ballot, in person)
• Help others register and vote
• Use your influence/platform to inspire others
• Help with campus efforts on election day or at polls
• Other ideas?!