Voting, but Make it Fun! How to Host a Ballot Party with Friends
Voting is an essential part of life, but it doesn’t have to be boring! This election season, why not host a ballot party and turn voting into a social thing with friends? A ballot party is a casual get-together where you and your guests can discuss ballot measures, share candidate info, and fill out your sample ballot or mail-in ballots together in a relaxed setting.
Intrigued? Here’s how to host a ballot party that will have your guests excited to vote.
Keep It Simple and Casual
First, keep your guest list small. Invite close friends or family who want to enjoy some low-pressure socializing while tackling their ballots. Host the event somewhere cozy, like your living room, backyard, or even a local coffee shop if you're feeling adventurous. The goal is to create a chill atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and talking about what’s on the ballot.
Prep Your Resources
Before the party, gather some helpful voter guides and websites like Ballotpedia to make it easy for everyone to learn about down-ballot races and local measures. Having these resources on hand will take the stress out of filling out the ballot, and guests will appreciate having clear, unbiased information to refer to.
Make It Fun
It’s still a party, so keep it lively! Play some music, make your favorite cocktails (or mocktails!), set up a snack bar with election-themed treats (red, white, and blue cupcakes, anyone?), and maybe even create a “selfie station” for friends to snap photos to share to their stories. Keeping it lighthearted and social is key to a good ballot party.
Encourage Conversation
Ballot parties are a good opportunity to discuss the issues and share how we feel about what’s on the ballot. Set the tone early by encouraging open dialogue without judgment. If anyone needs help understanding a ballot measure or candidate, offer assistance without pushing your opinions. The goal is to make everyone feel informed and empowered, not pressured.
Know the Legal Stuff
Make sure you're familiar with any local voting laws. For example, it’s important that while friends can help each other understand the ballot, no one should be filling out someone else’s ballot. Stay within the rules to avoid any legal issues.
And Don’t Forget to Submit!
Encourage everyone to submit their ballots at the end of the party or make a plan to drop them off or mail them.
By hosting a ballot party, you will not only make the voting process easier and more engaging, but also you’ll help foster meaningful conversations about the issues that matter. So gather your friends, grab some snacks, and let democracy be a reason to get together and make memories!
If you’re interested in getting more involved in the political world but don’t know where to start, mapping your network is a great first step. Check out how to leverage your personal network to get a head start on your political journey!