{"id":24453,"date":"2024-08-23T20:11:58","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T20:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalvoterregistrationday.org\/?p=24453"},"modified":"2024-09-09T16:13:48","modified_gmt":"2024-09-09T16:13:48","slug":"sos-adams-and-simon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalvoterregistrationday.org\/sos-adams-and-simon\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridging the Aisle for Democracy: Kentucky\u2019s Michael Adams and Minnesota\u2019s Steve Simon Lead National Voter Registration Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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While the nation is locked in yet another contentious partisan election cycle, two Secretaries of State\u2014Kentucky\u2019s Republican Michael Adams and Minnesota\u2019s Democrat Steve Simon\u2014are setting a remarkable example. As the bipartisan co-chairs of National Voter Registration Day, they\u2019re proving that when it comes to safeguarding democracy, there\u2019s always common ground to be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With National Voter Registration Day 2024\u2019s date of September 17 fast approaching, Adams and Simon are gearing up to energize their home states to get registered and ready to hit the polls this November. Both leaders bring a passion for civic engagement that transcends political divides, and their collaboration is a testament to the belief that voter registration is a nonpartisan effort essential to the health of our democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secretary Michael Adams\u2019 journey to promoting voter registration began long before his time in office. As a practicing election lawyer, he encountered a startling fact that stuck with him: \u201cThe biggest surprise I got that still kind of blows me away is the proportion of people who are not registered to vote,\u201d he recalls. \u201cI would have clients spend millions of dollars on voter registration, and I\u2019d think, \u2018Is there anyone left?\u2019 Well, surprise surprise, the answer is yes\u2014there are a lot of people left, from various political persuasions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This realization fueled his commitment to expanding voter registration access. Now, as Secretary of State, Adams leads initiatives in Kentucky designed to bring more people into the fold. For National Voter Registration Day 2024, he\u2019s working with the state\u2019s YMCA Youth Association, which will send volunteers to major events like the Kentucky State Fair. And while details are still being finalized, he\u2019s looking forward to partnering with local organizations to host another celebration on the lawn of the Old State Capitol\u2014a tradition for the past two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adams\u2019 dedication to making elections more inclusive is rooted in a belief that civic engagement shouldn\u2019t be defined by party lines. \u201cIf there\u2019s something that we can find bipartisanship on, hopefully it\u2019s voter registration,\u201d he says. \u201cDemocrats, Republicans\u2014we all want to vote, so let\u2019s make it as easy as we can. And the first step is to register.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Minnesota, Secretary Steve Simon shares Adams\u2019 commitment to expanding voter access, and, while he and his Kentucky counterpart may be of different political persuasions, also recognizes the challenges faced in engaging voters are very much alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simon tells us his focus is on ensuring that every eligible voter, regardless of background, has the opportunity to participate. \u201cThe two main challenges are access to those not engaged in the election system and getting changes to election statutes out in front of the most affected constituents,\u201d Simon explains. \u201cWhether it\u2019s voters needing translation of election documents or those with recently restored voting rights, partnerships and message repetition have helped us bridge knowledge gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simon\u2019s approach to National Voter Registration Day this year highlights the power of education. From high schools to colleges, he\u2019s ensuring that young people understand the importance of registration. One innovative idea is a live virtual program for high schools, designed to engage students statewide. \u201cI\u2019ll be speaking at the two high schools hosting the event that day, and then later, I\u2019ll be at two colleges talking about why voting and registration matter,\u201d Simon says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, Simon is also working with Minnesota\u2019s postsecondary institutions, which are, as of last year, now required to have voter engagement plans. \u201cMost campuses are building events and information distribution around Voter Education Week and NVRD,\u201d he notes. By focusing on education and outreach, Simon is laying the groundwork for a generation of engaged voters to develop a life-long habit of voting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What stands out most about Adams and Simon\u2019s partnership is their shared understanding that voter registration is a nonpartisan, fundamental right. Both secretaries believe that voter engagement shouldn\u2019t be colored by politics. As Simon puts it, \u201cThe messenger may be an office holder with a party designation, but the message is for everyone to participate in the system and have their voice heard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adams echoes this sentiment: \u201cI\u2019ve devoted my career to getting people off the sidelines and registered to vote.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As co-chairs of National Voter Registration Day, Adams and Simon are leading a movement that invites all Americans\u2014regardless of party affiliation\u2014to take part in the democratic process. Their collaboration is proof that, even in divisive times, there\u2019s one thing we can all agree on: our democracy works best when everyone has a voice. And that voice begins with a simple act\u2014registering to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While the nation is locked in yet another contentious partisan election cycle, two Secretaries of State\u2014Kentucky\u2019s Republican Michael Adams and Minnesota\u2019s Democrat Steve Simon\u2014are setting a remarkable example. As the bipartisan co-chairs of National Voter Registration Day, they\u2019re proving that when it comes to safeguarding democracy, there\u2019s always common ground to be found.<\/p>\n

With National Voter Registration Day 2024\u2019s date of September 17 fast approaching, Adams and Simon are gearing up to energize their home states to get registered and ready to hit the polls this November. Both leaders bring a passion for civic engagement that transcends political divides, and their collaboration is a testament to the belief that voter registration is a nonpartisan effort essential to the health of our democracy. […]<\/p>\n

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