Forward Vision
Forward Vision
This is Route 24's Driver's Ed. For National Voter Registration Day, shift gears on voting behavior in swing states.
Incoming Traffic
Is momentum enough to get people to actually vote? This is Route 24's Driver’s Ed. On Tuesdays, it’s a space that shifts gears on hot-button election issues. For National Voter Registration Day, get up to speed on what drives voter behavior in swing states.
34 US Senate seats. 435 House of Representatives seats. 44 state legislative races. 11 governors races. According to the 2024 National Voter Registration Day Election Factsheet, the White House is far from the only race driving voter turnout. Add municipal races and key ballot initiatives, and 2024 is gearing up to be a game changer.
In case you missed it, Route 24 is hosting a Zoom House Party with Force Multiplier for National Voter Registration Day. It will be an hour and is free to participate.
Ground Viewing
A 2020 study conducted to assess voter motivations analyzed election turnout on the basis of five core psychological indicators: altruism, belonging, duty, selfishness, and social approval. It concluded that 60% of voter motivation was driven by altruism and duty and only 15% was driven by selfishness, suggesting a direct correlation between voter turnout and an individual’s values. A 2022 study conducted to assess voting rationality examined the frequency of four modes of social action: habitual voting, norm-based voting, rational voting, and value-rational voting. It concluded that most voting behavior is based on habit, norms, and values with purpose being the exception.
In 2024, the view looks different. According to a recent report by
for Justice, legal restrictions to curb voting access, such as limits to absentee voting and permissions that enable election interference and voter intimidation, steer voters away from the polls. State legislatures in the 2020 swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as in Florida and Texas, have been particularly active in changing voting laws which directly impact 2024 voter turnout.To get around the absentee ballot scheduling roadblocks, Route 24 did the math for you. Here’s when you can expect your ballot for the general election in the mail – if you’ve carefully followed the procedures for requesting it.
Roadside Assistance
To highlight important voting deadlines, The Arts Action Fund has created state voter factsheets for all 50 states and 6 jurisdictions. If you live in a swing state and need help understanding next steps, it’s a helpful guide.
To get voters to the polls on Election Day, Lyft announced a voter access program that includes discounted rides and free ride codes to assist communities that historically face voting barriers.
Back in June, I asked this audience: how do you think we should restore public trust?
, who writes the call-to-action newsletter Diane’s Blue Notes (on Route 24’s recommendation list), answered with this:Fact-based civil discourse is what we all need right now. I watched your video intro just now, and I made a list mentally of writers who fit your requirements. There aren’t as many as I thought. Millennial Victor Shi did a great generational podcast with Jill Wine-Banks (the Watergate Lady) which was great. The #SistersInLaw podcast with
and 3 lawyer ladies is tops. provides factual content. People like , , and so many more. If you read and check her sources (she’s one of my heroes because she cites her sources daily “Letter From An American”—and she, as a college professor and author, is in touch with all generations. Her book “Democracy Awakening” is inspiring us.
Public trust is restored by voting. For the generations who fought for the freedom to vote, and for all who strive daily to make it possible for every citizen, please do your civic duty.
Make a plan to vote. Check your voter registration status. Know your voting rights. Vote early and wisely.
However you’re able to support Route 24, thank you for coming along for the ride!
Stay the course,
Sam
is an independent newsletter for those who feel out of gas with current news cycles and elect stories that drive public trust. If you enjoyed this edition of Driver’s Ed, consider forwarding it to a friend or become a subscriber to help fund presenting Probable Cause to the public this October. However you’re able to fuel Route 24’s work and mission, thank you for coming along for the ride!