Millions of Americans who voted in 2008 will sit out the 2010 general election unless they are contacted and encouraged to vote again this year.

Voter participation by historically underrepresented constituencies--including very low-income Americans, Americans of color, and particularly young minority voters--increased in 2008. However, the fact remains that voter turnout is consistently lower in mid-term election years. Voter turnout in recent years has consistently dropped an average of 15 percentage points between presidential and mid-term election years.

Overall, Project Vote estimates that fewer than 50% of eligible voters may participate this year if voter turnout in 2010 follows historical trends.

Research shows, however, that community-based GOTV programs can increase voter turnout by as much as ten percentage points. What works is face-to-face encouragement from community groups and fellow citizens: talking to voter face-to-face, educating about the voting process, and helping infrequent voters make a plan to get to the polls. 

That's why, in the days leading up to the 2010 election, Project Vote – a national leader in nonpartisan voter participation field work – will work with trusted local partners in 12 states across the country to increase voter participation in 2010. This intensive campaign will focus on historically underrepresented populations who saw strong turnout in the 2008 election, including 1) Black and Latino voters; 2) New registrants since 2008; and 3) Americans under the age of 30.

The 10‐day program will consist of a door‐to‐door canvass that will make three attempts to reach each voter. Voters who receive a contact will then receive a follow up phone call to solidify the voter’s intention to vote, as well as mailers and an Election Day door‐hanger. Research shows these strategies to be the most effective means to increase voter participation in under‐represented communities and will yield a significant increase in turnout.

Project Vote and our local partners expect to contact over 1 million registered voters, with multiple contacts, in the days leading up to the 2010 election. 

 Click here to learn about our partnerships.

To learn more about partnering with Project Vote on the 2010 GOTV Campaign, click here, or contact Amy Busefink at 202.903.1728 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .