Key Dates
Voter Registration Deadline: May 17 (online, postmarked, or in-person at local registrar's office)
Deadline to request absentee mail-in ballot: June 1 by 5pm
In-person absentee voting: April 24- June 5, 2021
May 29: All early voting locations are required to be open
June 5th: All early voting locations are required to be open
Election day/deadline to return mail-in ballot: June 8th
Mail-in ballots can be postmarked by June 8th but if the ballot is not in the mail by this date encourage the voter to drop off the ballot
Audience Unregistered Voters
Ask: Register to vote
Initial Script:
Hello, my name is ___ with [insert organization name] I’m reaching out to make sure Virginians who are eligible, register and vote in the upcoming June 8th Primary. Are you registered to vote?
[No] Ok, if you change your mind please take 3 minutes to register to vote at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.
[Yes] That is amazing, thank you for being a voter! Visit https://www.protectthevoteva.com or call 866-OUR-VOTE for all your voting needs during this election season. We are here for you!
Audience: Low propensity and new voters
Ask: Vote by Mail
Hello, my name is ___ with [insert organization name]! I know that voting is important to you. Do you plan to vote in the upcoming June 8th Primary Election?
[Yes] That is great! I wanted to make sure you know you can vote by mail- a safe and secure way to vote! Have you requested an absentee mail-in ballot?
[Yes] Awesome, sounds like a great voting plan! If you experience any issues or have any questions call 866-OUR-VOTE, we are here for you.
[No] No worries, you can do that by visiting https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation and request your absentee ballot today!
[No] Ok, if you change your mind, voting by mail is the easiest and safest way to ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming election. Request your absentee mail-in ballot here; https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
Audience: Low propensity and new voters
Ask: GOTV Early Voting
Hello, my name is ___ with [insert organization name]! I know voting is important to you. Do you plan to vote in the upcoming June 8th Primary Election?
[Yes] Fantastic! Do you plan to vote early? Voting early in person is a great way to make sure casting your ballot fits into your schedule!
[Yes] Great! Early voting starts on April 24 and ends June 5th. You can look up your early voting location here https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/absentee-voting/ . Remember to bring a mask, your ID and your own pen!
[No] Ok, if you change your mind, you can request your absentee ballot here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
[No] Ok, Election Day is June 8th! Polls open at 6am and close at 7pm. If you have any questions call 866-OUR-VOTE we are here to assist all voters!
Audience: All Voters
Ask: Do you need a ride to the polls
Hello, my name is ___ with [insert organization name]! Just checking in on your voting plan. I know you plan to cast a ballot in the upcoming June Primary Election. Do you need a ride to the polls?
[Yes] We got you! Use this code [insert Lyft code] to get a free ride to the polls. If you have any issues or questions call 866-OUR-VOTE. We are here to help.
[No] Okay, great Early voting ends Jun 5th.You can look up your early voting location here https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/absentee-voting/ .
Election Day
Audience: All Voter
Ask: Election Day
Hello, my name is ___ with [insert organization name]! Primary Election Day is here. Have you voted already?
[Yes] Thank you! Please encourage your friends to vote today!
[No] No worries, there is still time. Polls close at 7pm today. Don’t forget your mask, an ID and a pen! If you have any questions or need to report any issues call 866-OUR-VOTE. We are here to help.
Notes:
The above script is for the June 8th Primary Elections, the script is just a sample feel free to make it your own! When tracking voter registration or absentee ballot requests, feel free to use your organization's 3rd party link for that. Our goal is to ensure that every voter is able to cast a ballot on or before Election day including the 866-OUR-VOTE is critical to making sure we can address any issues faced by voters, so we ask that the number is incorporated into your scripts.
Wrong Number: Oops, sorry we got the wrong contact info! We contact people from a state list, and it's sometimes out of date. We still want to make sure you're voting! Are you voting today?
In Language Lines: Election Protection Hotlines are available in multiple languages: Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA or 888-839-8682; Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE or 888-274-8683; Arabic: 844-YALLA-US or 844-925-5287
How did you get my number? I'm a volunteer with VCET, a nonpartisan nonprofit coalition dedicated to ensuring that all voters have the information they need to vote in the upcoming election. Contact information for all registered voters is public record.
Who are you?: I am a volunteer/employee with [insert org], a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all voters have the information they need to vote in this upcoming election and future elections. We want to make sure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.
If I don’t vote on everything on my ballot will it be accepted? Yes, while we encourage you to make your voice heard by voting on everything on your ballot you are not required to do so and your ballot will be accepted.
What if I requested a ballot and never received it?
If you never received your ballot, you should go to your polling site and ask for a goldenrod form. That will allow you to cast a regular ballot.
How do I properly fill out my absentee ballot?
When you receive your VA ballot remember to sign it in the proper location and use the secrecy envelope to secure it first before putting it in the return envelope. Postage will be provided. And remember, you don’t need a witness signature. Drop your ballot off today before 7pm at your polling site or your registrar’s office.
What if I received an absentee ballot, but now want to vote in-person?
If you want to vote in person, you should bring your absentee ballot with you to your polling site.
Is voter Identification required and if so, what kind?
You will need to provide a form of ID. If you don’t have one, you can sign an ID confirmation statement instead. Here’s the full list of acceptable IDs: here:https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/photo-ids-required-to-vote/
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