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The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation partnered with the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown to host a voter registration drive Tuesday at the Jewish Community Center as part of National Voter Registration Day.
The four-hour event gave community members an opportunity to register to vote, verify their registration status, obtain absentee ballot request forms and locate their polling places.
Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day was created to focus national attention on helping eligible Americans register and participate in elections.
"We want each and every eligible voter to be comfortable and confident casting their vote in each and every election," said Lisa Lee Kohler, president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown.
Kohler noted that voter registration has been part of the League's mission since the organization's founding in 1920.
"Our goals are, as ever, to empower voters," she said. "Not only do we register new voters, but we check and verify that voters' registrations are current and valid, that they are registered under the correct name and address, and that they have made a plan to vote."
While many people who attended were already registered, Kohler said the League also focuses on helping voters stay informed and engaged.
"We have far too many registered voters who are not casting their votes," she said. "We help make sure people have the proper documents and the information to be informed voters. What we will never do is endorse a candidate or party."
The League conducts voter outreach throughout the year at locations including Youngstown State University, the Dorothy Day House, the Rescue Mission, naturalization ceremonies and the McGuffey Center. Kohler said outreach efforts are aimed at a wide range of community members, including young voters, new residents, seniors and newly naturalized citizens.
She said one challenge facing voters today is navigating large amounts of information.
"The avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media, is confusing to voters," Kohler said. "The League is here to be a nonpartisan, trustworthy source of information."
Kohler also addressed common misconceptions about voter registration, noting that many people incorrectly believe registering to vote automatically results in being called for jury duty.
Beyond voter registration, the League publishes annual voter guides that include candidate responses, ballot issues and levy information. The organization also participates in Election Protection efforts, helping voters obtain assistance when questions arise before or on Election Day.
Volunteers at Tuesday's event shared a variety of reasons for participating.
Kandy Rail said she felt it was especially important to support voter registration efforts because of the polarization in today's political climate. She added that she enjoyed seeing how enthusiastic many people were about voting.
Nancy Burnett described volunteering as an important "mitzvah," or good deed, that helps improve the world and make it safer for everyone.
Jack Kessler emphasized the importance of voting and civic participation.
Melissa Bateman, director of community engagement for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said that by 1 p.m., volunteers had spoken with more than 60 people entering the building. The event ran 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Everyone we asked said they were registered to vote," Bateman said. "A few people were unsure, and we were able to verify their status."
She added that many individuals expressed pride in participating in the electoral process.