The deadline for voter registration for the 2024 elections has already lapsed in over a dozen states, with more deadlines approaching as the month of October progresses.

This year, millions of Americans have signed up to vote, with an extraordinary increase in new voters potentially influencing a highly competitive presidential race.

With Election Day just around the corner, political campaigns and nonpartisan groups are shifting their efforts to another key issue: ensuring that voters actually go to the polls.

Voter turnout will play a crucial role in this presidential election as the candidates are closely matched, with polls showing only a slight edge for either side.

Political parties and civic organizations are employing various strategies to engage voters and boost turnout for the upcoming November elections.

Organizations launch major initiatives for voter engagement

Former First Lady Michelle Obama initiated the nonpartisan campaign When We All Vote in 2018, which aims to encourage more people to participate in elections. The organization is co-chaired by high-profile figures like Tom Hanks, Steph Curry, and Megan Rapinoe.

The group’s mission is to inform voters about issues on the ballot and motivate a broad spectrum of Americans to take part in this year’s elections.

“We aren’t endorsing any candidates, just urging everyone to make their voices heard by voting,” stated Beth Lynk, the executive director.

When We All Vote launched its Party at the Polls initiative, which comprises a series of events aimed at early voting across the nation, including a block party in Philadelphia and a Walk to the Polls led by Mark Ruffalo in Arizona on Saturday.

With over 500 events scheduled, Amanda Hollowell, the National Organizing Director for When We All Vote, mentioned that there will be a range of activities, from barbecue get-togethers to barbershop conversations. Notable events will also include a “Drag Out the Vote” show in Phoenix on Friday and a yoga and spoken word event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, set for Nov. 3.

“I love how people express their creativity when discussing democracy and their hopes for the future,” Hollowell remarked. “It’s fantastic to see efforts aimed at making voting enjoyable.”

Engaging young voters in get-out-the-vote initiatives

Lynk emphasized the importance of fun and celebration in their get-out-the-vote strategy amid a polarized election environment.

“There’s a noticeable buzz and engagement, especially among young voters,” Lynk noted.

This year, over 8 million young Americans will be able to vote for the first time, contributing to nearly 41 million total voters from Gen Z in 2024.

The advocacy group Voters of Tomorrow, which focuses on Gen Z and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, has been actively reaching out to voters aged 18 to 27. As of Thursday, they had contacted over 5 million young potential voters.

Katy Gates, deputy communications director for Voters of Tomorrow, mentioned that their focus has shifted from registration now that many deadlines have closed in various locations, including Georgia, where Gates is from. Voter education and getting voters out are now their main concerns.

“For college students, life can get hectic,” Gates stated. “With midterms coming up, it can be easy for voting to get overlooked unless you keep a close eye on deadlines and requirements.”

Political campaigns and national organizations join the get-out-the-vote movement

Recently, the Democratic National Committee announced a significant investment in get-out-the-vote strategies across all 50 states, primarily focusing on community-driven efforts.

“This funding will help us connect with essential voter groups and enhance organizing efforts,”

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison stated, “We are equipping our teams on the ground with the resources they need to secure every vote leading up to Election Day. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, and this new funding will enhance our momentum as we approach November.”

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has made a groundbreaking move by investing $2.5 million, which marks the first instance of the national party allocating funds to every state and territory during a single election cycle. This surge in donations followed President Joe Biden stepping back from the race, allowing Kamala Harris to take charge.

On the Republican side, activity is also heating up.

Former President Donald Trump has continuously stressed the importance of mobilizing voters during his campaign, while the Republican National Committee (RNC) is promoting early voting and enhancing its outreach efforts.

The GOP is employing a creative strategy to reach out to Americans who typically abstain from voting.

With support from outside organizations, including the Elon Musk-affiliated America PAC, Trump and his supporters aim to engage these often inactive voters and sway the outcome in key battleground states.

“From his first run for office, President Trump has cultivated one of the most diverse coalitions ever, incorporating supporters who previously felt disconnected from the political scene,” commented RNC spokesperson Anna Kelly.

While the strategy has potential for success, some within the GOP have voiced doubts about it.

“This is a gamble,” remarked Republican strategist Dennis Lennox to CNN. “It’s risky and could backfire.”

However, a member of Trump’s team defended the approach, stating that the external groups enhance their ground efforts, which are managed by skilled Republican professionals, and they are confident in the overall operation.

‘Competing with comfort’

The organization We All Vote hosted voting parties in both 2020 and 2022. In the last presidential election, their early voting initiative reportedly increased turnout by around 90 votes per precinct.

According to Gates, in her discussions with younger voters, many are not as indecisive about their candidate preference as they are about actually voting.

“Our challenge is to get them off the couch,” she shared. “It’s far simpler to stay on the couch than to take the necessary steps to ensure your vote is counted.”

She pointed out that a lot of these potential voters question whether their vote will have any real impact.

“I remind them how close elections can be,” Gates said.

For instance, in 2020, Georgia’s election was decided by fewer than 12,000 votes—“that’s less than the number of students at the University of Georgia,” Gates illustrated.