Talk to Your People! A guide for tough conversations about voting and mobilizing your community to exercise their power at the polls.

So you ask, “Do you plan to vote in the 2026 Midterms?” and get hit with, “I don’t really vote.” Where do you go from here? 

Step 1. Affirm. Ask about voting, listen without judgment, and validate something the person has said. 

The first step is to ask a question and really listen to their response. Really hear what matters to them and engage with the values and concerns they are expressing. Starting here builds trust and sets the conversation up for success. So, ask them why they feel the way they do about voting, and acknowledge and affirm their concerns– because they are valid. 

Example: 

“Why don’t you vote?” 

“I’ve just never felt like it really mattered. Plus, I’ve got a lot of other important stuff on my plate to deal with.” 

“I get it. It’s hard to care about voting when your everyday needs aren’t being met. What are some of the biggest issues on your plate right now?” 

“I feel like life is so expensive. I have to worry about getting food on the table and keeping the lights on.” 

Step 2. Bridge. You don’t have to agree, but you can find common ground in their views and values. 

Maybe we agree that voting doesn’t fix everything. Or that politicians aren’t always looking out for our best interest. Establishing common ground and shared beliefs builds trust in a conversation. Try using phrases like “The way I see it...” “I also think…” when challenging their beliefs, instead of declarative phrases or telling someone they are wrong. Many people feel judged for not voting, but when we allow space for folks to talk about it without preaching to them, we can have more productive conversations that get to the ‘why.’  

Example: 

“The way I see it, voting is one of the easiest things I can do to try and make my life a little easier. I go to the polls to vote for the candidate who speaks to the struggles I go through. Did you know there are folks on the ballot this year that have a say in stuff like your power bill?” 

Step 3. Connect. Communicate your perspective with real-life experiences.  

Try sharing a story that addresses their values and concerns. You can build a bridge of personal connection by sharing a story from your life or a story you heard and know to be true. Talk about local elections that have been won by just a handful of votes. Or tell a story about a time you contacted an elected official and they helped you out. Stories from real experiences can make the impact of voting more tangible to them. 

Example: 

“Yeah, but what does my vote matter? It’s always the same people winning in Alabama.” 

“I don’t know about that, did you see the mayor won in Florence by just 11 votes in 2020? Sometimes a handful of votes can make or break these elections. Think about what could happen if we all showed up.” 

Step 4. Follow Up. Don’t despair if you can’t change someone’s mind with one conversation. 

Behavior and habits are often deeply engrained, so just planting a seed is beneficial. It’s about opening an ongoing dialogue based on shared values and respect. Make a plan to have another voting conversation with this person next time you see them. Or offer to send them information on a specific issue. This work is about the long game, and staying in the work is how we MOVE more Alabamians to the polls. 

Read the full Project MOVE plan and learn how we are building lasting connections with voters and communities that go beyond election cycles. We aren't just showing up during election years to get votes. We are listening to our communities and so we can help get their needs met and their voices heard.