Empowering Voters and Building Advocacy: Your Guide to the 2024 Elections
While many of us are well-informed voters, we know that not everyone in our community has the same level of engagement or access to accurate information. This election presents an opportunity not only for us to cast our votes, but also to help others understand how they can make their voices heard.
How you can help
- Reach out to your friends and family: Whether through casual conversation, a phone call, or social media, encourage those around you to check their voter registration status, learn about the candidates and issues, and make a plan to vote.
- Provide resources: Direct them to reliable sources of information, like Vote411.org, where they can enter their address to get a personalized voter guide. There, they can compare candidates’ positions on key issues and learn about ballot measures. It’s an easy and nonpartisan way for voters to feel more confident about their choices.
- Offer support: Some people may feel overwhelmed by the voting process. Offering to discuss candidates, help fill out ballots, or even drive someone to a ballot drop-off location can make a significant difference.
Share how to return your ballot
For ballot drop-off locations and accessible voting centers, please visit the Yakima County website. Remember:
- By mail: Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day. No postage is required but check the last pick-up time if using a blue collection box.
- In person: Use official Yakima County Auditor’s Office ballot drop boxes, which are open until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Be cautious of unofficial locations, and only give your ballot to someone you trust if you cannot deliver it yourself.
Additional Resources
In addition to encouraging voter participation, we also have valuable resources available to help you stay informed and engage with the issues on the ballot:
- Washington Ballot Measures 2024: For a comprehensive overview of state ballot measures, including League positions on each measure, visit the League of Women Voters of Washington’s ballot measures page.
- Candidate and Issue Forums: Watch video recordings of candidate forums and issue discussions to get a deeper understanding of what’s on the ballot. These forums are an excellent way to hear directly from candidates and advocates. You can access them by visiting the State-Wide Forums and debates page.
- YouTube: LWV Washington 2024 Ballot Measures Discussion: For those who prefer watching in-depth discussions, check out the League’s YouTube channel, which features a breakdown of important issues. You can watch the ballot measures discussion video.
These resources will not only help you stay informed but will also empower you to share credible, nonpartisan information with your networks.
This election is about more than just casting our own ballots—it’s about empowering those around us to participate fully in our democracy. By encouraging our friends, family, and neighbors to vote, and pointing them toward trusted resources like Vote411.org and the additional tools mentioned above, we help ensure that every voice is heard. Let’s continue to build a stronger, more engaged electorate together. Thank you for all that you do!
Sincerely,
Lee Murdock
President, League of Women Voters of Yakima County
