Voter Registration and Information
It has been reported that only about 50 % of church members are registered to vote. Further, only about 50 % of those registered actually vote! For example, in the 2006 Primary Election, only about 25 % of the registered voters in Sarasota County actually voted! That is appalling since, if most of us voted, we would be a powerful force for righteousness in our land.
Christian Coalition of Sarasota County can be of help when a church is interested in having their members vote. We will go over the easy details with a church representative and insure they have the necessary forms. Registration is very easy to do and, with informed voting, is a key part of citizen responsibility. Give us a call
at 351 - 8967.
Full voting information can be found on the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections web site. Note that there have been major changes in Voter Registrations. In January 2006, a new "Third Party Registrations" Statute by the Florida Legislature went into effect. "Third party" organizations conducting voter registration drives can receive large civil penalties for failing to turn in registration forms. Churches are not exempted. Therefore, it's important that all forms be turned in.
Florida Voter Registration Forms can be found at the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections web. Just download, complete, and mail in to register to vote - a critical citizen responsibility. The Sarasota Supervisor of Elections staff will keep churches supplied with up-dated V.R. Forms, if the church so requests.
Supervisor of Elections Office contact information can be found on the "Supervisor of Election" link on the left.
Tips for a successful Citizenship Sunday
Christian Coalition's polling has shown that fewer than 50% of self-identified Christians are registered to vote. If we expect Christian issues to be addressed in the public arena, then we must be capable of turning out in force on Election Day. Obviously this is impossible if Christians are not registered to vote. All elections are very critical. Need we here in Florida be reminded that every single vote matters! Only a 537 Florida vote margin determined the outcome of a Presidential election!
Citizenship Sunday is a targeted voter registration effort conducted in churches all across our country. To make it a success, please consider having your church participate and ensure that all church members are registered to vote.
This memo contains suggestions for how to successfully promote and conduct a voter registration drive in your church. I would urge you to identify someone in your congregation that you can depend on to conduct such a project and appoint them as the "contact" person for your church.
Promotion of Citizenship Sunday
Place an announcement in your church bulletin for Citizenship Sunday. If your church has an announcement board or video screen, use this method as well. Have the pastor make an announcement from the pulpit that Sunday. If a lay person or other staff member makes an announcement, it won't have as much influence. The pastor should mention this during the Worship Service and give directions as to where the registration tables are located.
Necessary Materials
Obtain copies of the latest Florida Voter Registration Form from the County Supervisor of Election office; contact information is listed in the link to the left. The Sarasota Supervisor of Elections staff will keep churches supplied with up-dated V.R.Forms if the church so requests. Make sure to get enough forms for your church. A good number would be enough for half your membership. Don't forget to have plenty of pens to fill out the forms.
Set Up The Voter Registration Table
When setting up your registration table, make sure to place it in an area with heavy traffic. You may want to use multiple locations if there are several exits. Make posters and hang them behind your table so that people will know why you are there. Spread the registration forms and other materials on your table. Have chairs available so folks can be seated to fill out the forms.
Work The Table
When working the table, you should stand in front of it, (DO NOT SIT DOWN). Engage people in conversation as they pass, asking them if they are registered to vote. You must be pro-active or nothing will happen. When a person takes a form, have them fill it out immediately at your table. Don't give them any opportunity to take it with them and then forget. After completing, request they mail them in to the address on the form. A new Florida statute
(FS 97.0575 - Third-party voter registrations) requires that groups conducting voter registration drives have an agent registered with the State. There are no penalties unless the collected Voter Registration forms are submitted very late or not at all. The Elections Office will send the voter a card acknowledging their registration. Tell the person completing the form that this step is essential to insure the registration has been satisfactorily completed. No card received? Probably NOT registered. New V.R. Cards were mailed out to all voters recently because a new 2006 Fl. Statute established uniform procedures.How to contact us
If you have any questions about conducting a Citizenship Sunday voter registration drive in your church and would like to get in touch with Sarasota County Christian Coalition, please call Don Cunningham, Chairman, at 351-8967.
Please forward this information to other churches or friends that you think might help get fellow church members registered to vote.