The Voting Rights Act was signed into law on August 6, 1965, and organizations across the country are marking the anniversary this Saturday, August 8, with a nationwide day of civic action. PTA has been an advocacy organization since its founding, and helping families understand and exercise their civic responsibilities is a large part of that tradition. If your PTA unit or council is looking for a way to open the school year fostering community engagement and civic participation, this is a great way to do that, especially as your back-to-school events are getting underway.
Your PTA's action doesn't need to be a big production. It can be as simple as:
A post. Share a post on social media reminding families that Ohio's registration deadline for the November 3 general election is Monday, October 5, and that anyone can register or check their status at olvr.ohiosos.gov. Add a line about the VRA anniversary and why it matters.
A table. Put voter registration forms and a "check your registration" QR code on a table at your open house, orientation, or first meeting. Your county board of elections will supply forms at no cost, or you can download and print them yourself. Make sure your building administration is aware that this will be part of your PTA advocacy at the event.
A conversation. Host a short program on the history of the Voting Rights Act and how elections work in Ohio: school board races, levies, and the national, state, and local offices on this year's ballot. Reach out to your county board of elections, a local library, or civic groups like the League of Women Voters to help you plan and publicize your event.
Whatever you choose, remember that our bylaws make us noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan, and our 501(c)(3) status requires it. Register and inform every voter who comes to you, on the same terms, without regard to how anyone might vote. PTA does not endorse or favor candidates or parties, and does not take a stance on ballot-issues. We advocate for policies that make every child's potential a reality. If you have questions about what's permissible, please reach out to us before your event, not after.