We’ve partnered with the National Council of Nonprofits and Nonprofit VOTE, to release a new Virginia Voter Engagement Guide to help nonprofits engage confidently and appropriately in voter education and outreach.
Nonprofits are among the most trusted institutions in our communities. At CNE, we help people navigate complex challenges, strengthen neighborhoods, and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive every day. Supporting civic participation is a natural extension of that work for us and for nonprofits across the Commonwealth.
Voting is a fundamental pillar of participatory democracy. Every eligible voter should have the opportunity to have their vote count, and active voter participation builds healthier communities. And the data backs it up: according to the 2024 Nonprofit Power report, prospective voters contacted by nonprofits were 10 percentage points more likely to vote than demographically similar registered voters who weren’t contacted (56% vs. 46%).
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
- Section 1: Learn the Rules — A Nonprofit’s Guide to Nonpartisanship, Digital Communications and Nonpartisanship, and the Virginia Voter Registration Drive Guide
- Section 2: Make a Plan — Your Options for Voter Engagement Activities, Get Out the Vote (GOTV), and Partnering for Success
- Section 3: Engaging with Potential Voters — Tips for Successfully Engaging Potential Voters and The Why Vote Tool
- Section 4: Allowable and Restricted Nonprofit Activities — Federal Funds and Nonprofits, Ballot Measures, and the Post-Election Advocacy Planning Tool
- Section 5: How-to Guides — Hosting a Phone or Text Bank, Candidate Forums, and Candidate Questionnaires
- Section 6: Tips and Scripts for Voter Engagement — Engaging Potential Voters in Rural Areas, Engaging Potential Voters with Disabilities, and Engaging Young Voters
Your nonprofit organization is well-suited to helping people become more active citizens by encouraging voter participation.
Download the full guide here.
