Building Engagement in the Modern Age: Resources for a More Informed Public

Power to the People: Tools for Fostering Civic Engagement

With fake news and AI-generated content more prevalent than ever, misinformation is all too common, undermining people’s ability to make truly informed decisions. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, talent professionals play a vital role in ensuring people are equipped to exercise their rights as well-informed citizens. As experts in teaching, awareness-building, and community support, they have the opportunity, and responsibility, to keep people informed and engaged.

A simple way to do so is by making available accurate, reliable sources of information to people, such as Vote.org or Vote411.org for those who are in the US, or ElectionGuide.org, for international residents.

In the US, many states purge the voter lists every cycle so just because you were registered before does not mean you still are. Check your voter registration status at the Can I Votewebsite or call your county elections office.

The deadline for voter registration varies by state from 15-30 days before an election, so first ensure that your registration is up-to-date and valid. Check out the deadline for your state here.

Despite the straightforward nature of registering, there are some circumstances that require vigilance to remain registered. Some states have very strict rules and even change those rules between elections to try and suppress voting. Here are some things to consider:

• No typos allowed: some states have restrictive voter ID laws that require exact name matches, down to the letter, between ID’s and registration. If your ID says Nathaniel, then you MUST register with that same name, even if you go by Nathan or Nate.
• Ensure you have the right type of ID. Check this Voter ID site for the most current voter ID laws for every state.
• If you’ve moved addresses, even within the same neighborhood, you need to register again. You may need to show certain documents to prove your address (like a rental lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill).

Make your voting plan

To ensure that your vote counts in this election, create your voting plan. Start the process NOW and be prepared to make changes as election day gets nearer. As you take these steps for yourself, consider helping a friend or neighbor get ready too:

• Send in your absentee or mail-in ballot immediately. In most states, it’s required that you request your mail-in ballot at least ten days before the election. Request your ballot early, and send it in immediately. See Vote.org for rules in your state.
• Hand in your ballot to a certified location. If you plan to vote by mail but you still have your ballot close to Election Day, and if you are worried about mail service in your area, hand in your ballot yourself to a certified location. You can find these listed at Vote.org, and your county elections office website.
• Watch for changes in your polling location. If you will be voting in person, look up your polling location in advance—they can be changed between seasons as well as last minute, and voters are not always notified of the changes.
• Come prepared with the correct form of identification. Check your state for what forms of ID they will accept at the polls, and get that ID in advance of Election Day. And here’s a tip from voters who have been dropped off the rolls unexpectedly — in addition to your official ID, bring a current utility bill that states your name and address.

Your voice is important. Your vote is your voice. Don’t lose your chance to use it.

Get Engaged

Getting engaged can take the form of initiating conversations with friends and family members, volunteering at polling places, or making calls encouraging voter registration.

Help people be heard. The nonpartisan Reclaim Our Vote Campaign, gets out the vote in states with a long history of voter suppression. Their site has lots of tools and resources.

Donating in another way to make a difference. You can donate to the campaigns of individual candidates at the national, state, and/or local level or to the national organizations of the party.

Below are other ways to increase you or your organization’s engagement. Provide the systems and support to help become more active citizens and create connections even across political lines.

• If you're a mom (or someone who loves them), check out MomsRising.org. You can sign up to receive and send beautiful get-out-the-vote postcards to moms in other states, reminding them to vote.
• Dialogue across political lines. Facing the Fracture is an incredible resource written by Dr. Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara. In her newest book, Dr. Israel provides guidance on how to bridge political divides and become a more engaged citizen in today's polarized society. Drawing from psychological research, she provides practical strategies to help readers manage the mental and emotional strain caused by political polarization. By empowering individuals to take control of their own well-being, relationships, and community engagement, Facing the Fracture shows that positive change is possible, even in our divided country.
• Track democratic engagement around the world Ever wondered when elections are held in Kyrgyzstan? Or what New Zealand is voting on in September? Witnessing the uniqueness across the spectrum of international elections is a great way to give context to voting at home, wherever home is for you. For voting news and activity in over 100 countries around the world, check out ElectionGuide.org. The site tracks elections held worldwide, key issues at stake in each election, and tracks how many people have voted.

The right to vote is considered sacred by many. Because it bears so much on the lives of some countries, politics are the central point of conversation for whole populations on a regular basis. Add your voice. Exercise your right to vote. What does engagement look like for you? What are some other resources to create engaged citizens? Connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter — I’d love to hear your suggestions!

About Britt Andreatta

Dr. Britt Andreatta is an internationally recognized thought leader who uses her background in leadership, neuroscience, psychology, and education to create science-based solutions for today’s workplace challenges. Britt is the CEO of Brain Aware Training and former CLO for Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning). She has over 10 million views worldwide of her online courses and is the author of several best-selling books on the brain science of success including Wired to Grow, Wired to Resist, Wired to Connect, and Wired to Become. In 2024, she was awarded the ATD Thought Leader Award. She has also been named as a Top 10 Influencer in Learning and a Top 20 Influencer for Leadership Development. Dr. Andreatta regularly consults with organizations on leadership development and learning strategy. Learn more her work at www.BrittAndreatta.com