Rock the Vote

Dear John,

Forty-nine years ago today, Congress passed the 26th Amendment, which lowered the national voting age from 21 to 18, fundamentally altering the electorate. The Amendment, passed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and ratified in just over three months on July 1, 1971, was the fastest ratified amendment in our country’s history. It ushered young people into the national conversation and thrust their issues onto the political agenda.

The fight to lower the voting age had been going on for well over three decades prior to its ratification. But, it was the turmoil and tension of the civil rights movement, the assassinations of Malcolm X, MLK, JFK, and RFK; the Korean and the Vietnam War; the Draft; and the countless anti-war and social movement protests that moved our country’s leaders to take decisive action on this one piece of critical legislation that would empower future generations of young people in this country. It’s a reminder of what our country and its elected leaders are capable of when they put people first.

Now, we face a new threat that does not acknowledge borders, race, ethnicity, creed, sexual or gender orientation, income, zip codes or any other demographic or geographic markers - COVID-19. Everyone is adjusting to our new reality and adapting to the evolving uncertainty that has accompanied this global pandemic.

But, one thing is clear - this moment calls for the absolute need for elected officials who are capable of leading. It has underscored the importance of November’s elections and the importance of our work to ensure we have elected leaders who put the people first. That is why Rock the Vote is diligently working and organizing to protect the right to vote while ensuring voters are able to safely cast a ballot.

Rock the Vote will continue our work to expand the political power of young people through this unsettling time because it is truly more important than ever before. Below, is some of the work we are doing right now and the ways you can be involved:

Launching Our New Website

We’ve fast-tracked the launch of Rock the Vote’s new website. Please visit our Election Center as we keep it up-to-date with changing election-related deadlines and policies. We have also added links for each state’s COVID-19 election-related updates. Over the next few weeks, we will be adding more features and resources.

Providing Updates on Social Media

If you aren’t already, be sure to follow us on social media and encourage others to follow us for election-related updates and calls to action as this situation continues to evolve. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Pushing Updates Through Our Election Reminder Program

As election-related dates and deadlines change, we are updating our election reminder program that sends over 3.5 million voters emails and text messages reminders with links to resources for voter registration, absentee ballot request and mailing, early voting and election day. Encourage friends to sign up for election reminders.

Supporting Our Partnership Network

We are in touch with several civic engagement organizations to support them through this uncertain time when state and local organizations have been forced to reduce and in many cases halt their field efforts.

Providing Our Civic Technology

As civic engagement groups pivot their on-the-ground efforts to digital organizing, we are working to provide them with the most trusted, innovative civic technology to continue their registering, educating and mobilizing voters. If you know any groups looking for civic technology resources to run online voter registration efforts and provide essential election resources, they can check our Tech for Civic Engagement page for more information.

Sharing Census Content

Earlier this year, we launched Creatives for the Count in partnership with the Census Open Innovation Labs. This website holds a searchable gallery of vetted digital images, memes, gifs and other digital content that can be downloaded and used by any individual or organization in their email and social media programs. Individuals and organizations may also create and submit content to be used by others.

Boosting Our Relational Organizing Efforts

Social networks have always been key to increasing civic participation, but they are more important now that traditional on-the-ground operations are paused. We are boosting our relational organizing programs leveraging our 15,000 volunteers and expanding our ambassador program to activate their personal networks and those of their friends. Sign up to volunteer or if you know of a young person looking to get involved, encourage them to apply to be an ambassador today!

These are just some of the immediate steps we are taking to address the rapidly evolving situation brought on by COVID-19. In the coming days and weeks, we will be in touch with our plans to strengthen and create more resilient elections while balancing the health and safety of voters while protecting their right to vote. Your voice matters, even more in these unprecedented times.

We are in this together.

Sincerely,

Carolyn and the Rock the Vote team

Rock the Vote is a nonprofit working to protect voting rights for every American and enfranchise young people in the political process.
We are not affiliated with any political party or campaign.

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