How to increase local voter turnout?

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Strategies to Increase Local Voter Turnout

Increasing voter turnout in local elections is a critical issue for enhancing democratic participation. Various studies have explored different methods to boost voter engagement at the municipal level. Here, we synthesize the key findings from recent research on effective strategies to increase local voter turnout.

Repeated Reminders and Feedback from Local Officials

One effective method to increase voter turnout is through repeated reminders and feedback from local officials. A study involving 1 million registered voters in Philadelphia demonstrated that sending postcards before and after elections significantly increased voter turnout. Voters who received four postcards throughout the election cycle saw a 1.5 percentage point increase in turnout, while those who received two postcards before the general election experienced a 0.8 percentage point increase . This approach is scalable and does not exacerbate racial inequalities, making it a feasible option for local governments.

Aligning Local Elections with National Elections

Aligning local elections with national election dates can significantly boost voter turnout. Research on municipal elections in California found that moving local elections to coincide with national elections had the largest impact on increasing voter participation. Additionally, other institutional changes, such as reducing the outsourcing of city services and increasing the use of direct democracy, also contributed to higher turnout.

Simplifying Voting Procedures and Expanding Postal Voting

Simplifying electoral procedures and expanding postal voting have been shown to increase voter turnout. In the UK, pilot schemes implemented since 2000 included measures such as rolling electoral registration and more flexible voting arrangements. These changes made it easier for voters to participate, although the effectiveness varied by region and required sustained education and awareness efforts.

Leveraging Local News Media

Local news media can play a crucial role in increasing voter turnout by providing politically relevant information. Studies indicate that when local media cover political issues extensively, voter turnout tends to increase. This effect is particularly pronounced in local elections, where voters rely on local news for information about candidates and issues.

Peer-to-Peer Voter Outreach

Peer-to-peer voter outreach has emerged as an effective strategy for increasing voter participation. Research shows that social pressure and personal connections can motivate individuals to vote. Platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer outreach have been found to significantly increase the likelihood of voting in low-information elections.

Official Emails and Volunteer Phone Calls

Emails from official sources and volunteer phone calls are also effective in increasing voter turnout. Experiments in San Mateo County, California, revealed that unsolicited emails from the local registrar increased turnout among registered voters, while emails from fictional organizations did not. Similarly, volunteer phone calls, when personalized and nonpartisan, have been shown to boost turnout by 3.8 percentage points, making them a cost-effective method compared to professional phone banks.

Nonprofit Organizations and Agency-Based Voter Mobilization

Nonprofit organizations can enhance voter turnout through agency-based voter mobilization efforts. A study in Detroit found that each voting-related contact from a nonprofit service agency increased the likelihood of turnout by 11.1 percentage points. The most effective forms of contact included voter registration assistance and personal voting reminders.

Conclusion

Increasing local voter turnout requires a multifaceted approach that includes repeated reminders from local officials, aligning local elections with national ones, simplifying voting procedures, leveraging local news media, peer-to-peer outreach, official emails, volunteer phone calls, and nonprofit mobilization efforts. By implementing these strategies, local governments and organizations can foster higher voter engagement and strengthen democratic participation at the municipal level.