I attended the state DFL’s Get Out the Vote training, and one theme especially stood out to me. The presenter emphasized that social pressure can be a key motivator for getting people to the polls. She talked about it in terms of FOMO – Fear of Missing Out. People are more likely to vote if they see that it’s something that their friends, neighbors, and relatives really value.
She also trotted out the standard references to extremely close elections, like when Al Franken defeated Norm Coleman by a handful of votes. I’ve never found this argument for voting particularly persuasive. Even the closest elections almost never come down to a single vote.
That’s why I like the idea of applying social pressure. If you think about voting as a purely individual act, then sure, it’s probably not going to make much difference. But voting as a way of connecting with people who share your values puts it in a different light. People are apt to feel better about voting if they see it as something that makes them a part of their social group and gives them a sense of belonging.
That’s where you come in. I mean, it would be great if all the strong Democrats were volunteering for door-knocking and phone-banking. It’s not as scary as you might think, and I encourage you to consider stepping up. I also know that most people aren’t going to get that involved, sad to say. So here’s an easy assignment for you.
There are probably people in your life who lean Democratic but aren’t particularly engaged with politics. Talk to them. Ask them what their plan is for voting. If voting on election day is inconvenient for them, let them know how easy it is to vote early at the County Government Center out on 12th Ave. near Horizon Middle School. If voting on November 5 is their preference, ask them if they know when and where they would do it. You can help them by going to the Secretary of State’s website, mnvotes.org.
Or here’s an even better idea. Suggest that you go to the polls together. This could be especially valuable for elderly people who would love for someone to take them. Or maybe a friend and you could go out for coffee or lunch or drinks after voting. Turn voting into a real social occasion.
Don’t get me wrong. This is not about shaming people into voting. It’s about making voting a positive experience that people feel good about. Fear can be an effective motivator, especially where Trump is concerned, but hope and joy are even better. Share your positive energy with someone you like. You’ll feel better, and so will they.
Paul Harris