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Commissioners weigh nonpartisan voter-engagement options for election year
Summary
Commissioners discussed election-year outreach options, including partner registration tables and polling-worker education, while staff cautioned about the fine line between nonpartisan engagement and advocacy around candidates or ballot questions.
With an election year approaching, the Commission on Diversity Awareness discussed how it might support voter engagement without crossing into partisan activity.
Staff cautioned the commission that independent actions by the commission can create an appearance of partisanship: "it gets really sticky when you've got candidates ... we've got ballot questions this year," a staff member said, noting the commission should avoid actions that might influence outcomes. Commissioners explored nonpartisan options such as partnering with county registration efforts, tabling at existing registration drives and offering education on becoming a polling worker.
One commissioner suggested focusing on nonpartisan education and partner events rather than independent campaign-like activity: "Maybe just education on becoming a polling worker ... be more of like just get involved, not even the vote aspect of it," they said. Staff agreed to explore possible partnership opportunities and return with options for how the commission might safely support voter participation.
Ending: Staff will research nonpartisan partner opportunities and present options at a future meeting; commissioners agreed not to host independent partisan events.
