Move over, Halloween. Take a seat, Fourth of July. There’s a new holiday rising in the ranks, and it’s all about democracy – and a little bit about looking cool while you do it. That’s right, we’re talking about National Voter Registration Day, celebrated every September (in 2024, it’s Sept. 17). It’s the day when everyone who’s anyone is making sure they’re registered to vote.
What’s all this, now?
Back in 2012, when the world was obsessed with the Mayan calendar predicting the end of civilization, a group of savvy election nerds realized a far greater existential crisis looming—people not voting! So they launched National Voter Registration Day to encourage Americans to, you know, register to vote. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a nationwide movement, with thousands of organizations, volunteers, and celebrities joining in to ensure everyone’s voice gets heard at the ballot box.
Get with the cool kids
Let’s face it: the only thing cooler than saying you voted is being able to vote. National Voter Registration Day is like a public service announcement reminding us all to check our voter status, especially if you’ve moved, changed your name, or have somehow misplaced your voter registration form under a pile of old pizza boxes. (Hey, no judgment!)
Without a doubt, the most important aspect of NVRD is that it helps remove the barriers to voter registration. Maybe you’ve got friends who haven’t gotten around to registering yet. Or maybe your cousin thinks their vote doesn’t matter. This day is about spreading the word, making it easy for folks to get registered, and ensuring that every eligible voter has the chance to make their voice heard in elections, from school board races to presidential showdowns.
Why do we need NVRD?
National Voter Registration Day has that rare mix of “save the world” energy and “be the change” vibes, which makes it undeniably cool. Plus, you don’t even have to wear a costume (but we totally support voting-themed outfits). Here’s why:
It’s nonpartisan. No awkward political debates over the dinner table like at Thanksgiving. NVRD is all about registering voters, period. Left, right, center—it doesn’t matter. The only side we’re on is the “I’m registered to vote” side.
It’s got FOMO. Every year, there are more events, rallies, and online parties. Whether you’re hitting up a pop-up voter registration booth at the mall or getting your #IVoted sticker ready for the next big election selfie, NVRD has a social buzz that rivals Black Friday.
You can make it a party. Whether you’re organizing a voter registration drive with friends or setting up a table outside your favorite coffee shop, NVRD has all the party potential of Cinco de Mayo – with a civic twist. Plus, it’s an excuse to throw a get-together. Who wouldn’t want to sip on democracy-themed mocktails while signing people up?
It’s empowering. Seriously. If superheroes were real, they’d probably spend National Voter Registration Day signing people up. Why? Because making sure people are registered to vote is one of the most empowering things you can do. No cape necessary.
In short, National Voter Registration Day has the power to shape the future, so it’s only a matter of time before it gets its own line of greeting cards, right? (Imagine: “Roses are red/Democracy is sweet/Make sure you’re registered/So voting’s complete”).
So, don’t miss out on the holiday that’s all about flexing your civic muscles. Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get out there. Who knows? Maybe next year NVRD will have a national day off work. A holiday that helps democracy and gives you a free Tuesday? Now that is a movement we can all get behind.
