Vote Shaming or Voter Engagement? "Report Cards" Spark Debate
Julia Ramsey, a Pennsylvania resident, is no stranger to election-related mail. However, one particular mailing this week left her feeling "vote shamed."
The mailing, sent by the Center for Voter Information and Voter Participation Center, presented itself as a "Voting Report Card." It displayed Ramsey's voting history alongside a table of what appeared to be redacted names, addresses, and voting records of her neighbors.
The letter stated, "Remember, who you vote for is private, but whether or not you voted is public record. We're sending this mailing to you and your neighbors to share who does and does not vote in an effort to promote election participation."
This approach has sparked controversy, with many recipients, including Ramsey, finding it "creepy" and "threatening." However, the organizations' president, Tom Lopach, defends the tactic as an effective way to drive voter turnout. He cites randomized control trials showing that understanding neighbors' voting behavior encourages participation.
Lopach emphasizes the nonpartisan nature of the Voter Participation Center, which focuses on underrepresented groups like people of color, young people, and unmarried women. The Center for Voter Information, on the other hand, targets individuals who share the value of an inclusive electorate.
Despite Lopach's assurances, the "Voter Report Card" mailings have raised concerns. The New Mexico Secretary of State's office clarified that the mailers are not affiliated with the state and advised recipients who wish to opt out to follow the instructions on the mailer.
Ramsey, who plans to vote for a third-party candidate this year, expressed her discomfort with the shaming tactic. Similarly, New Jersey resident Erika Kiera described the mailing as "threatening" and likened it to a comparison of voting attendance. She questioned the potential consequences of not voting and expressed a preference for the more positive approach of a handwritten postcard encouraging participation.
While the effectiveness of the "Voter Report Card" approach remains debatable, it has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about voter engagement and the methods employed to achieve it.