With early voting already happening in some states, the 2024 election is officially here.
The stakes couldn’t be higher — for our freedoms, our democracy, and literally every issue any of us cares about, from abortion to climate to student loan debt to the cost of living to the state of the world. And we won’t have a chance in hell to make progress if extremist Republicans have power. That means it’s important to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, but it’s also vital to give them governing majorities in the House, the Senate, and in key state legislatures. Their bold agenda could be completely stalled if Republicans control either chamber of Congress. And with 21 states (and counting) having already passed abortion bans, we can’t let our foot off the gas in building power at the state level either.
And here’s the thing: While the choice ahead is clear, this election will be very, very close. Our futures will be decided by a few thousand votes in a handful of states and districts. That means each one of us pitching in — doing the highest impact actions in the highest impact places — will quite literally be the difference.
If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now is the perfect time to help the candidates that could make the difference between a Democratic House or a Republican House. Even if you’re not old enough to vote yet, you can make a difference right now by volunteering with a campaign to help them get out the vote in these final weeks.
1. Canvass in a Battleground District
Most of us live within 2 hours of a competitive swing district or state — one where the outcome could come down to a handful of votes. And in competitive races, one of the most effective ways to help a candidate win is to canvass – which means knocking on doors (also known as canvassing) and talking to people about why showing up to vote matters! Canvassing might sound intimidating, but it’s a great way to get involved with like-minded people in your area and it’s one of the most effective (and fun!) ways campaigns can spread their message and get voters to the polls. Bonus: You’ll get your steps in for the day
How to Get Started: At Swing Left, we make it easy— we've done the work of identifying all the key battleground races up and down the ballot where your impact will go the furthest, and can quickly connect you based on your ZIP code to upcoming canvassing events and local volunteer groups supporting Democratic candidates all over the nation. All canvassing events will include training on all you need to know to be effective, and you don’t need to be a political expert! Plus, most include transportation, too. All you need to do is sign up and show up. At Swing Left, we're even organizing free buses from major metro centers to nearby swing states across the country. For college students, Swing Left has college campus groups where you can join events with fellow students. Another great organization for finding canvassing opportunities is Vote Save America.
Pro Tip: It may sound scary at first, but most campaigns will pair you with an experienced volunteer until you feel comfortable. They also focus on the doors of voters who are likely supporting their candidate and just need a little friendly nudge to vote.
2. Call Voters from the Comfort of Home
Phone banking is another way to reach out to voters directly and share information, remind them to vote, and answer questions. The best part? You can do it from your own couch!
How to Get Started: Most campaigns offer training sessions, so you’ll learn exactly what to say and how to handle any questions or concerns. You can sign up right on a campaign’s website, or find a phone bank for a battleground race through Swing Left.
Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about talking on the phone, start by volunteering with a friend! It’s way more fun when you have someone to cheer you on.
3. Write Letters to the Voters that Will Decide Close Races
Writing letters to voters is one of the most effective ways to turn out the vote. Plus, is there anything more fun than receiving snail mail? Join a letter-writing campaign Join a letter-writing campaign to send personalized messages to voters in battleground districts encouraging them to vote. All you need is some time, a printer, and your favorite pen. Then, it’s time to get writing!
How to Get Started: Check out Vote Forward to get plugged into letter writing campaigns all over the nation. Many local groups also host letter writing parties, which are a great way to meet people in your own community. You can host your own, too!
Pro Tip: Personalized messages go a long way. Think about why you vote and what the recipients vote means to you.
4. Donate Money to the Candidates That Need It Most
If you don’t have time to canvass or write letters, you can help fund the efforts of people who do!? If you’re looking for an impactful way to make a difference in the last weeks of the election, every dollar counts to campaigns pushing over the finish line. Your financial support can fund everything from volunteer supplies to advertising to transportation to additional staff for the campaigns. And if you’re feeling extra motivated, post about why you’re donating on social and get your friends involved!
How to Get Started: Send money directly to your favorite candidate or donate through a larger organization. If you don’t want to think about it, check out Swing Left’s Immediate Impact Fund, updates weekly to make sure your donation is going to the campaigns up and down ballot that need donations most urgently. Interested in focusing your dollars down-ballot on state legislative candidates only? Check out Sister District.
Pro Tip: The earlier you donate to a campaign, the more impactful your contribution is! So if you’re thinking about donating, don’t hesitate. Do it now!
5. Host a Virtual or In-Person Organizing Event
Do you love throwing theme parties? Are you the chef/baker/mixologist of the group? Is it your turn to host a dorm gathering? Gather your friends and spread the word about how they can get involved right now. You can even invite an organizer or campaign representative to answer questions and encourage everyone to take action.
How to Get Started: Find a list of volunteer opportunities through the organizations above, get some snacks or games together, and set aside time to talk to your friends about how they can contribute time or money in the next few weeks.
Pro Tip: Time is ticking! If you want to host an event, the best time to do it is ASAP so volunteers can get plugged into action while there’s still time!
The Bottom Line: There are so many ways to get involved, no matter your age or experience level. By volunteering for a campaign, you’re not just supporting your candidate—you’re learning valuable skills, meeting amazing people, and playing a direct role in shaping the future. Find a campaign that inspires you, sign up, and get ready to make a difference.
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