How do you make a difference after the election is over? Build relationships with your elected officials—even those in Washington, D.C. In the second part of her interview with Know Why, Debbie Wuthnow, president of iVoterGuide, offers tips on contacting your representatives and telling your story to make a difference.
Contacting Congress
Being an informed voter is one of the first steps to political engagement. But what about after the election is over? Debbie encourages listeners to contact their elected officials. It’s probably easier than you think! Listen to the episode or check the resources below for an easy-to-follow checklist that will help you communicate when your representatives effectively.
“Any issue that matters to you is worth an email or a phone call to your congressman.”
Debbie Wuthnow
“That’s all lobbying is, is telling your story … to your representative,” Debbie said. “That story is what will guide them.”
Sharing your story may not result in a total victory for for the issue you care about, but it could be enough to enlighten officials with a new perspective or motivate them to advocate for adjustments as they negotiate legislation with other lawmakers.
Debbie Wuthnow joins the Know Why Podcast to discuss the many ways just one vote can make a difference. Debbie is the president of iVoterGuide, an organization that has equipped and educated millions of voters. In this episode, Part 1 of a two-part interview, Debbie shares stories of elections that were determined by a slim margin, and explains why votes are especially impactful in primary and local elections. She also provides practical tips and resources for finding information about your local elections and candidates.
The Power of One Vote
A national poll released by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School showed a few months ago that young Americans are less likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election (November 2024) than they were in 2020. Many may feel like it’s pointless to vote.
Debbie told Know Why that every vote truly does matter, even in presidential elections. “Nationwide, 60,000 votes in a few key counties swung the presidential election in 2020,” she said.
“Your vote really does have power.”
Debbie Wuthnow
But in primary elections and local elections, one vote has even more impact. One in 20 registered voters participates in primary elections, Debbie said. That means your vote goes a long way in determining which candidates will ultimately face off. In local elections, including for offices like school board members and county judges, “average turnout is only 6% of registered voters,” she told Know Why.
How to Research Candidates
To find out when elections are in your area and who’s on the ballot, Debbie says to search online for your county name and “sample ballot.” You can also contact your county election office.
To begin researching candidates, one place to start is iVoterGuide.com. If iVoterGuide doesn’t have information on a particular candidate you’re looking for, you can also search candidates’ names online and on social media platforms. Debbie recommends reading what they write and seeing what events they attend to judge if their values align with yours.
Debbie also recommends following the money. Go to FEC.gov and search any federal candidate’s name to see campaign finance records, which must remain public by law. State and local campaign financial information must remain public. Google your state name and “campaign finance reporting” to find information. For financial information on local candidates, Debbie recommends starting with your county election office. Read more about researching candidates by clicking on the resources below.
Be sure to listen next week for Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with Debbie Wuthnow!
