Arts Nonprofits Create the Vote: Voting PTO and Voter Engagement
The primary purpose of We Vote Arts is to empower arts nonprofits to engage in elections, not only to advance the cultural sector, but also to serve their communities through civic leadership. There are several SIMPLE AND EASY things every nonprofit can (and should) do.
- Give employees PTO to vote: Empower employees to vote by providing two hours of paid time off to either vote early October 17th through November 2nd or on Election Day on November 5th. Also, provide a full day of PTO for those who volunteer as poll workers. Make this part of the organization’s culture by creating a time off to vote policy. Nonprofit Staff Vote has all the information and sample policies you need!
- Educate staff, audiences, and stakeholders: Make sure that every person within the reach of the organization has the information they need to vote by mail, early, or on Election Day. Just share this comprehensive ArtsVote in North Carolina factsheet or send them to the We Vote Arts Election Portal.
- Empower Voting Plans: Use every opportunity to remind your constituents about important dates for registering to vote, voting by mail, voting early, or getting to the polls on Election Day. Join efforts with others across the country by celebrating National Voter Registration Day (September 17th) and/or Vote Early Day (October 29th).
- The important NC voting dates in 2024 are:
- Wednesday, Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.).
- Tuesday Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration is available.
- Tuesday, Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).
- Saturday, Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: General Election Day.
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).