The League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri is shifting from printed voter guides to a digital voter information campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Beginning Oct. 3, the organization will direct voters to vote411.org, according to a community announcement. The website provides nonpartisan election information tailored to a voter's address, including ballot details, candidate information, voter registration resources and other election-related materials.
The League plans to promote VOTE411 through QR codes displayed throughout the community, on league communications and across social media platforms. Voters can scan the codes with a smartphone camera to access the website directly.
“Our mission has not changed. We want every voter
to have reliable, nonpartisan information before casting a ballot,” League co-president Kelly Sutton said in the announcement. “What is changing is how we deliver that information. VOTE411 gives voters a convenient way to research their ballot wherever they are and whenever they are ready.”
The league said voters who prefer not to use a QR code can visit the website directly through a web browser.
New approach replaces printed voter guides
League officials said in the announcement that the move to VOTE411 is intended to provide election information when voters need it while allowing them to view content specific to races and issues tied to their address.
According to the announcement, the digital platform eliminates the need for voters to sort through contests that may not appear on their ballots.
The organization acknowledged that some voters may miss the traditional voter guide.
“We know many voters have looked forward to receiving or picking up our printed voter guide,” Sutton said in the announcement. “We appreciate that attachment. Our goal is to make this transition simple, explain how VOTE411 works and help our community become comfortable using this resource.”
Election deadlines approaching
The voter education campaign is scheduled to begin in late September. The league said in the announcement that ballot information for southwest Missouri voters will be available on VOTE411 starting Oct. 3.
Missouri's general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. The deadline to register to vote for the election is Oct. 7.
The league encourages voters using VOTE411 to enter their address, review the races and candidates on their ballot and research election information before casting a vote.
VOTE411 is provided by the League of Women Voters Education Fund as a nonpartisan voter information resource.
For more information about the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri, contact Jen Johnmeyer, communications committee chair, at jen@freelancebyjen.com or 417-684-3573.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to informed and active participation by citizens in the democratic process.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Southwest Missouri League of Women Voters moves voter guide online
