Globally, and as articulated by constitutions across nations, it is within the civic duties of citizens to participate in public-driven activities (Skocpol & Fiorina, 2004). Such activities are myriad and are geared towards driving and fostering positive and sustainable differences in the communities. This is achieved by combining the skills, knowledge, and values of the participating citizens. Against this backdrop, civic engagement is aimed at improving the living standards of the people through various processes, both political and non-political ( Skocpol & Fiorina, 2004; Ehrlich, 2000). An example of such activities in this pursuit is a voter registration drive, which I took part in my hometown. Participation in the exercise was not only my democratic right but also a display of responsible citizenship.
The drive entailed a number of stages. Planning was the first stage of the exercise and paved the way for the overall success of the activity. As part of the planning process, the steering team was expected to know the total area of coverage. This is because the aim of the exercise was to reach as many persons as possible within the particular region. Further, a particular emphasis was placed on the unregistered as well as first-time voters. The premise upon which this is based is the fact that all citizens irrespective of race, age and gender have a right to elect their candidate of choice. The planning process, therefore, helps to answer questions such as the number of unregistered individuals who will have attained the voting age by the election time ( Garecht, n.d; Holden, n.d.). Likewise, it helps in identifying the total number of previously registered persons in a given area, who are willing to take part in the voter registration process. Consequently, addressing these pertinent questions aids in optimizing the resources allocated for the exercise as well as making the process more successful ( Holden, n.d ). Further, proper planning helps in ensuring that there are omissions, which are highly likely to have negative implications on the actual elections.
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The second stage of the process entailed creating awareness about the event. This took advantage of both the conventional and mainstream media as well as emerging platforms. On the former, radio and television were used to reach out to prospective voters. On the other hand, various social media platforms were used. These included Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The use of these platforms was emphasized due to the need to reach out to younger voters. Moreover, it was recognized that first-time voters are relatively young and were more likely to be more active on social media. Local area communication was made possible through radio stations as well as placing adverts in the local dailies. These channels helped in increasing the reach and ultimately getting more citizens to register. That notwithstanding, this aided the potential voters in knowing the specific spots designated for voter registration.
The training formed the third stage of the drive, and this was a crucial component in facilitating a successful registration drive. In this stage, vital information such as voter registration laws and regulations was shared among the team and discussed extensively. This step was deemed critical due to the need to abide by the law and provisions of the constitution in carrying out the drive (Skocpol & Fiorina, 2004). In some instances, failure to comply with these statutes could result in bad press, fines as well as a discredited election. Details about the deadline for voter registration were relayed at this phase. The ultimate goal of the voter registration drive was the issuance of Voter Registration Cards which were divided into two components. The two were the state registration card and the county registration card. The former is used when a statewide registration drive is carried out while the latter is used when the registration drive is limited to a single county (Skocpol & Fiorina, 2004).
Specific criteria have to be met for one to be registered as a voter. Information on this is shared during the training process. The criteria include citizenship which is the most basic requirement (Skocpol & Fiorina, 2004). In this regard, for one to be a registered voter, he or she has to be a citizen of the country according to the law. Secondly, the recommended age of 18 years has to be met. Thirdly, one’s mental state is paramount because for one to be registered voter sanity is requisite. People must not be familiar with the National language to vote. On the other hand, factors that should not bar a person from being registered were clarified during training. For instance, one does not need to speak a particular language to qualify. Secondly, voter registration is a free exercise, and therefore c charging people is prohibited since the exercise is a democratic right. However, for one to change his or her preferred political party or place of residence, he or she has to re-register after submitting an affidavit form (Skocpol & Fiorina, 2004). The affidavit should be a written document that has been confirmed by oath.
The fourth stage entailed familiarization with the penalties imposed for failing to meet the voter registration requirements. For instance, perjury is an offense that can lead to imprisonment of up to four years. This crime is occasioned by providing false information in the affidavit. A voter who also allows another voter to be registered while knowing the person is not entitled to vote can also serve up to three years in jail. Further, the voter is not only penalized but also the person undertaking voter registration. An attempt by a person to register a non-existent voter is termed as a breach of the law and is punishable by a three-year imprisonment. However, each state or county has its rules regarding misconduct and breaking the law by a voter or a voter register.
Clarification of pertinent issues formed part of the drive. For instance, before the finalization of the registration process, the most frequently asked questions were addressed. Such queries included but not limited to whether one could register from their college/university; whether or not c hanging addresses would require one to re-register; whether one could register but would be unable to make it to their home precinct on the Election Day to vote. Such questions were answered so as to ensure that the masses were well informed as well as to build confidence amongst the citizens on the overall process
Successful completion of the above stages paved the way for the final stage which was the actual voter registration. The venue for registration was confirmed, and all supplies and required equipment were assembled. Consequently, the exercise was undertaken smoothly and with minor hiccups. On completion, a vote of thanks was given to the voters for their cooperation and enthusiasm. Likewise, the registered persons were encouraged to not only participate in the next registration drive but also to turn out in large numbers and vote. It was emphasized that voting was their democratic right and that it was the only sure way of ensuring that only democratically elected and right leaders held the offices. Ultimately, this was vital in ensuring the development of the communities and nation, and ensuring that the peoples’ opinions were taken into account in governance.
In conclusion, participation in the voter registration drive was not only informative but also instilled a sense of patriotism in me. This is because I attained a deeper understanding of the process and its importance in national building. Likewise, by educating others on the process, I fulfilled my civic duty.
References
Ehrlich, T. (2000). The Definition of Civic Engagement. New York Times . Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/ref/college /collegespecial2/coll_aascu_defi.html
Garecht, J. ( n.d ). The right way to hold a registration drive. Local Victory. Retrieved from http://www.localvictory.com/grassroots/voter-registration-drive.html
Holden, E. (n.d). How to organize a voter registration drive. Retrieved from http://www.aauw.org/resource/organize-a-voter-registration-drive/
Skocpol, T., & Fiorina, M. P. (Eds.). (2004). Civic engagement in American democracy . Brookings Institution Press.
