Get Out the Vote – Really
While it seems there is little that the American electorate can agree upon these days, voting is often the tie that binds – no matter our political affiliations, our religious beliefs, what we do for a living, or where we come from, voting is one of the foundations of the great American Experiment that most citizens can get behind. It is our right, but I also personally consider it a duty and a privilege.
Unfortunately, when it comes to putting the idea of voting into practice, other priorities can understandably get in the way: challenging schedules for work and childcare, transportation to the polls, and, of course, the mental gymnastics required to plan ahead to make time to vote – especially if there are long lines.
I, for one, love to see a long line at my neighborhood polling place. It is a true expression of democracy in action! But long lines only seem to come for the biggest elections every four years.
Some national data aggregators rank Oklahoma a few percentage points behind the national average when it comes to voter registration for eligible citizens, so there is room for improvement when it comes to registration.
However, the disappointing numbers when it comes to voting are really tied more to voter turnout, which some outlets have reported were as low as 22 percent for State Questions appearing on the recent August 25 ballot. This means only about one in five eligible voters made time to make their voices heard.
At the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, I have the honor not only of working with thought leaders and elected officials here in our state, but we also work at the federal level and with fellow state associations across the country.
Even after being in my position for more than 15 years, I am always surprised not only by how disillusioned voters of all backgrounds can get, feeling their vote doesn’t matter or they’re at odds with the majority. When only one in five eligible voters shows up to the polls, every vote counts!
Perhaps more important for the 2026 election cycle, I also hear people from all backgrounds lament that Washington feels so far away, and their participation in the democratic process will never make a difference. While my opposition to that argument is a larger conversation for another day, I always think it’s important to remind Oklahomans – including my fellow nonprofit leaders – that so much of the work that affects our lives day in and out happens right up the street at 23rd & Lincoln.
There is a part of federal tax policy governing 501(c)(3) organizations that strictly prohibits organizations like mine from engaging in partisan political work. I am a staunch supporter of this policy – known as the Johnson Amendment – for many reasons, one of which being that it allows us to focus on policies rather than people.
As we always say – it’s none of our business who you vote for, but we hope you vote!
That’s my message for you today. Whether you are a nonprofit leader or any other type of eligible Oklahoma voter, mark your calendar for the General Election November 3. Decisions will be made at Oklahoma ballot boxes that day which will impact aspects of all our lives.
As leaders, we can also make a difference intentionally through our organizations and communities.
I hope you’ll join me in ensuring our teams are aware of upcoming elections and can reasonably make time to vote. While Oklahoma law mandates certain requirements in this regard, lots of encouragement and a work environment conducive to taking the time away from the office can make a big difference.
And making a difference is what voting is all about!
Marnie Taylor is President & CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.