According to a survey conducted by the Sikh Coalition and the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California San Diego, 86 percent of Sikhs say that increasing Sikh civic engagement is either essential or important. We spent the past six months working with data scientists to develop voter datasets that micro-target Sikh voters inspecific states. While we know that Sikh organizations have done local phone banking before, this is possibly the first time Sikh voters have been phone banked nationally on this scale.
“I was excited to do my part by calling Sikh voters, reminding them about the upcoming U.S. elections, and answering questions about voter registration, polling places, and more,” said Satinder Kaur, a phone banking sevadaar from Bellingham, WA. “While there are still numerous ways to get involved in our democracy between now and November 3, I participated in this effort specifically because I knew I was reaching members of our community with the information they needed to make their voices heard this fall.”
With Election Day only two weeks away, more than 28 million Americans have already voted. Now,
the Sikh Coalition is urging all Sikh voters who have not already cast their ballots to make a plan to vote. Studies have shown that making a plan to vote increases our odds of following through and casting our ballots. Voters should consider whether they’re voting in person or via mail (also known as absentee voting).
Those voting in person should choose a day and time to vote. A majority of states have opened ‘early voting,’ which allows voters to go to a physical polling place in advance of Election Day, thereby reducing crowds and ensuring more people have an opportunity to vote. Once you choose early voting or voting on Election Day, we encourage you to think through what time you’ll go to the polls, and consider if you should bring family members or friends along as well.
Those voting by mail should make a plan to return their ballot. Due to concerns about possible delays in the U.S. Postal Service, we recommend putting your ballot in the mail by tomorrow, October 20. In many states, mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at local election offices, polling places, and/or secure ballot drop boxes.
You can
use our checklist to make your plan to vote today! When you’re done, share it with three family members or friends via text, WhatsApp, or social media.
In the weeks ahead, the Sikh Coalition will continue to produce and share resources aimed at ensuring all members of our community are able to participate in our democracy this fall and beyond. You can see all updates on our website at
www.sikhcoalition.org/gotv.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.
Note: The Sikh Coalition is a non-partisan, non-profit organization. All Get Out The Vote (GOTV) work is being done in support of broader Sikh American civic engagement, and not for the benefit of any candidate, elected official, or political party.
