Promote the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right which has been hard fought for and is a critical part of participating in a democracy. And while most Girl Scouts may not be of voting age just yet, we all have a role to play in speaking up and advocating for the world we want to live in. That’s why we’re inviting Girl Scouts and their families to get involved and help Promote the Vote!

What is voting? toggle arrow

Voting is the process by which people cast ballots to choose leaders or decide on important issues. It’s a way to show what you believe in and make sure your voice is included in decision-making.

Why Promote the Vote? toggle arrow

At Girl Scouts, we believe in the power of every girl to make a difference. That’s why the National Civic Action: Promote the Vote is helping youth learn about the democratic process and civic engagement. Though they may not yet vote, their voices are crucial in shaping our democracy.

Find Polling Places

Girl Scouts encourage others to vote! Make sure you’re up to speed on the voting processes in your state and know the dates of upcoming elections in your city of town. A great place to start is VOTE411.org, where you can find local polling places, check registration, and see what’s on the ballot.

Ways to Promote the Vote

Whether you’re an eligible voter yet this year or not, there’s plenty you can do to encourage higher voter turnout in your community.

Register to Vote: Minnesota consistently has one of the highest youth voter turnout rates, and we are building on that strength by working to ensure every eligible Girl Scout can register to vote. The Ready, Set, Vote! patch program helps Girl Scouts navigate the civic process and ensures 16- and 17-year-olds will have everything they need to pre-register as voters.

Remind Community Members to Vote: Even if you are not old enough to vote, you’re never too young to learn about the democratic process and get your friends, family, and community involved. Provide information about state-specific elections, deadlines, and rules; how to register to vote or check your registration; how to request an absentee ballot; what’s on the ballot in an upcoming election; how to look up and/or contact your election officials about issues you care about; and how to make a voting plan.

Participate in a Girl Scout Civics Lesson: An important part of being civically engaged is keeping informed. Consider an activity as a troop or on your own to strengthen your understanding of democracy and deepen your civics knowledge. Earn the Democracy Badge, Women’s Right to Vote patch, or the Ready, Set, Vote! patch.

Promote the Vote Resources

Troop Activity Ideas toggle arrow

Discuss the importance and history of voting with your troop. Talk about why voting is an important civic duty and how you can increase voting access and encourage others to vote, even if you are too young to vote yourself.    

Browse VOTE411 to see and understand the many voting support tools available to the public. 

Reach out to people in your community to provide information about state-specific elections, deadlines, and rules; how to register to vote or check your registration; how to request an absentee ballot; what’s on the ballot in an upcoming election; how to look up and/or contact your election officials about issues you care about; and how to make a voting plan. Use these templates to script your outreach efforts.

Take action by setting specific, measurable goals for how you will participate in this election cycle (write a letter to an elected official, talk to family members about their voting plan, help someone register to vote, etc.). Keep track of your progress.

Register or preregister to vote, depending on your age and what your state allows. 

Spread the word on your favorite social media apps. Research shows if you persuade one person to vote, that person will likely influence at least one friend or family member to vote, too! If you promote voting online, be sure to tag us: @girlscoutsrv and if you use VOTE411, be sure to also tag @VOTE411.

Complete this Girl Scout survey to tell us about your troop’s impact. 

Boost your civic engagement by earning your Civics or Citizen badge.

Outreach Templates toggle arrow

Ready to start your outreach? Make use of these templates to script your letters, emails, phone calls, texts, and social posts.

Instructions for Troop Leaders

Guide your troop as part of this national civic action with helpful instructions and activity suggestions for Girl Scouts of all ages wanting to Promote the Vote. Read the instructions.

Instructions for Girl Scouts

Speak out Girl Scout and let’s get ready to promote the vote! Make sure you’re well prepared and up to speed so you can make a strong case to community members about the importance of voting. Read the instructions.

Local Collaborations with League of Women Voters

Both Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters have long histories of empowering girls, advocating for civil rights, and advancing policies in support of girls and women. Explore our local collaboration guide to encourage and strengthen local connections. Access the collaboration guide.

Share Your Story

Are you and your troop helping to Promote the Vote this year? Tell us about it! Submit a story about how you and your Girl Scouts are engaging in the civic process for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.

Partners in Advocacy

Find resources from the community partners listed below to explore the issues for yourself and get ready to vote!

League of Women Voters

African Career Education and Resources

Asian American Organizing Project

Voting is the process by which people cast ballots to choose leaders or decide on important issues. It’s a way to show what you believe in and make sure your voice is included in decision-making.

At Girl Scouts, we believe in the power of every girl to make a difference. That’s why the National Civic Action: Promote the Vote is helping youth learn about the democratic process and civic engagement. Though they may not yet vote, their voices are crucial in shaping our democracy.

Find Polling Places

Ways to Promote the Vote

Whether you’re an eligible voter yet this year or not, there’s plenty you can do to encourage higher voter turnout in your community.

Promote the Vote Resources

Ready to start your outreach? Make use of these templates to script your letters, emails, phone calls, texts, and social posts.

Instructions for Troop Leaders

Guide your troop as part of this national civic action with helpful instructions and activity suggestions for Girl Scouts of all ages wanting to Promote the Vote. Read the instructions.

Instructions for Girl Scouts

Speak out Girl Scout and let’s get ready to promote the vote! Make sure you’re well prepared and up to speed so you can make a strong case to community members about the importance of voting. Read the instructions.

Local Collaborations with League of Women Voters

Both Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters have long histories of empowering girls, advocating for civil rights, and advancing policies in support of girls and women. Explore our local collaboration guide to encourage and strengthen local connections. Access the collaboration guide.

Share Your Story

Are you and your troop helping to Promote the Vote this year? Tell us about it! Submit a story about how you and your Girl Scouts are engaging in the civic process for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.

Partners in Advocacy

Find resources from the community partners listed below to explore the issues for yourself and get ready to vote!

League of Women Voters

African Career Education and Resources

Asian American Organizing Project