This Saturday, ghosts, goblins, werewolves and witches will come out of their summer hiding places to knock on doors and encourage Teton County residents to cast a ballot in our local elections. In a non-partisan effort to reach more young voters in our community, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance will host Trick or Vote, a fun, get out the vote (GOTV) canvassing event.
Volunteers will convene in the lobby of the Rose at 2pm on Saturday, October 29, where they will be assigned to teams. Each team leader will be responsible for briefing their crew, providing scripts and materials for talking with voters. From 3pm to 5pm the canvassers will take to the streets, and instead of asking for candy, they will ask their neighbors to vote in this fall’s election, especially on “down ballot” local races. Immediately following canvassing, volunteers and interested community members will celebrate democracy back at the Rose. Food and drink will be provided.
“I love the creepy and spooky things that come along with Halloween, but the most frightening thing that can happen around this holiday is Teton County residents not voting locally,” said Phoebe Stoner, who coordinates the canvassing logistics for this event and is going as a skier. “This project is aimed at empowering our residents to make their voices heard on local issues and to become knowledgeable with everything that is on their ballot. Doing this in costume around Halloween adds a fun twist.”
“Trick or Vote is a national movement to make voting and politics more fun and get more people voting,” said Skye Schell, Civic Engagement Director going as the Poll Cop. “I participated in Trick or Vote in another community five years ago and had the most fun day of getting to know my neighbors and spreading the word about voting, so I’m excited to bring Trick or Vote to Jackson this year. The best part is that in addition to giving our neighbors who may not vote an extra nudge, we’re training dozens of volunteer leaders to be able to get their own friends involved in our democracy for years to come.”
To sign up to volunteer, click here.
