Vote.org announced its most ambitious voter registration campaign to date, aiming to add a staggering 8 million voters for the upcoming 2024 cycle, as announced by the nonpartisan organization on Friday.
Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org, emphasized the critical need for such an initiative, particularly in light of widespread reports of disenchantment among young people and individuals of color regarding the upcoming elections.
“With near daily reports highlighting the disillusionment felt by young people and people of color towards this year’s elections, a nationwide movement to engage and assist them in registering to vote has never been more imperative,” stated Hailey in a release.
Hailey asserted that the organization’s commitment to this cause stems from recognizing the unprecedented importance of the current political climate for democracy.
Armed with a substantial $25 million budget, labeled by Vote.org as “the single largest dedicated voter registration expenditure in history,” the group is laser-focused on mobilizing young voters and individuals of color, demographics that could wield substantial influence in a closely contested presidential race.
This initiative raises concerns regarding potential apathy among voters, with apprehensions surrounding lackluster turnout in November, particularly given the low enthusiasm for a rematch between President Biden and former President Trump at the forefront of the ballot.
In a promising start, Vote.org has already facilitated the registration of nearly half a million voters in this election cycle, an accomplishment that includes over 200,000 newly registered 18-year-olds — a figure roughly double that of the corresponding period in the 2020 cycle, according to the organization’s data.
As it marches towards its ambitious goal of 8 million registrations, Vote.org is strategizing comprehensive outreach efforts, leveraging campus engagement initiatives and radio advertising tailored to local communities.
This outreach includes creating ads featuring diverse Spanish-language dialects and translations in Navajo, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in its voter registration drive.