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No ballot, no problem: Your ultimate guide to non-voting power in 2024

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What’s the issue?

You’re fired up about the state of the nation, but maybe you can’t vote. Perhaps you have a past conviction or your immigrant status keeps you from the ballot box. Or maybe you’re choosing not to vote as a form of protest. Whatever your reason, you’re not alone – and you’re not powerless.

In fact, you might be part of a growing trend. According to a recent CBS News/YouGov poll, only 80% of respondents said they will definitely vote in November 2024, down from 83 percent at the same point in 2020. As political science professor Grant Davis Reeher notes in Newsweek, this could be due to “a general unhappiness about the direction the country is headed, as well as the current state of politics, combined with the perception that neither main party candidate is doing much to help that problem, or even wants to.”

This isn’t about playing nice or keeping the peace. It’s about arming you with the cold, hard facts so you can fight like hell for your future. Whether you’re heading to the polls, taking to the streets, or finding other ways to make your voice heard – Reckon’s got your back.

Why does it matter? What’s at stake?

Let’s get real: Immigration is a top concern for voters this election, but those most impacted often have zero say in how policies shake out. As of 2022, about 11 million people in the U.S. are living without legal authorization. Many have been here for decades, building families and contributing to their communities. But federal law says they can’t vote in presidential races, and most cities don’t allow them to participate in local elections either.

For felons, it’s a whole other ball game. It’s been common practice in the U.S. to make felons ineligible to vote, sometimes permanently. As of 2024, an estimated 4.6 million Americans, or 1 in 50 adults, are barred from voting due to a felony conviction, according to The Sentencing Project. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects communities of color. More than 6.2% of the adult Black population is disenfranchised compared to 1.7% of the non-Black population. Policies vary wildly from state to state. Some states never take away your right to vote, even if you’re behind bars. Others make you jump through hoops to get your rights back after you’ve served your time.

But here’s the thing: You don’t need a ballot to make waves. Your voice, your actions, your presence – they all matter. And in some places, things are changing. Cities across the country are working to allow immigrants the right to vote in local elections. For felons, the trend over the last few decades has been toward reinstating voting rights at some point.

Current status

The landscape of civic engagement for non-voters is shifting:

For immigrants:

  • Several municipalities outside California allow migrants to participate in local elections. Some limit it to school boards, while others grant broader rights to elect mayors and city council members.
  • Ten towns in Maryland have allowed noncitizen voting since the 1990s.
  • Three towns in Vermont, New York City, and Washington, D.C. also allow some form of noncitizen voting.
  • Cities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and Illinois have groups advocating for voting rights for noncitizens, according to Ron Hayduk, a professor of political science at San Francisco State University who maintains a website tracking where noncitizen voting is legal.
  • In California, cities like Oakland, Long Beach, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Jose, Fresno, and Avalon are working to advance migrant voting rights.

For people with convictions:

  • In the District of Columbia, Maine, and Vermont, felons never lose their right to vote, even while incarcerated.
  • 23 states restore voting rights to felons automatically upon release from prison.
  • 15 states restore voting rights automatically after completion of sentence, including parole and/or probation.
  • 10 states have more restrictive policies, where felons may lose voting rights indefinitely for some crimes, require a governor’s pardon, or face additional waiting periods or actions.

Recent state actions show a trend towards restoring voting rights:

  • In 2024, Nebraska enacted a law to restore voting rights upon completion of sentence, including parole.
  • In 2023, Minnesota and New Mexico restored voting rights to citizens on parole.
  • In 2021, Connecticut, New York, and Washington restored voting rights to citizens on parole.
  • In 2020, California voters passed Proposition 17, restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Legal challenges have hit San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Santa Ana. Some cities might be scared off by the threat of lawsuits.

The debate around protest voting and non-voting

While this guide focuses on ways to be civically engaged when you can’t vote, it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing debate around protest voting and choosing not to vote.

Here’s a snapshot of different perspectives:

  1. The Case for Strategic Voting: Some argue that in a two-party system, voting is about collective responsibility and pragmatism. Alexis Grenell writes, “Voting is fundamentally a political act of collective responsibility, where we weigh the impact of our individual choices on society at large. It’s not an act of personal expression, and it doesn’t necessarily feel good.”
  2. The “Uncommitted” Movement: In recent elections, some voters have chosen to vote “uncommitted” in primaries as a form of protest. For example, in the 2024 Democratic primaries, over 740,000 voters across multiple states cast “uncommitted” ballots to protest the administration’s policies on Gaza.
  3. Criticism of Protest Voting: Critics argue that protest voting or non-voting can be counterproductive. Grenell suggests in The Nation, “f*cking around even in the primaries feels awfully precarious” and warns that it “runs the risk of priming people in the wrong direction.”
  4. The Importance of Clear Demands: Critics of protest voting movements argue that without clear benchmarks and willingness to follow through, such efforts can become “toothless as a pressure campaign.”

Remember, civic engagement goes beyond voting. Whether you choose to vote strategically, protest vote, or not vote at all, there are many ways to make your voice heard and influence the political process.

Protesting and boycotting: Powerful forms of civic engagement

When voting isn’t an option or doesn’t feel like enough, protesting and boycotting offer powerful ways to make your voice heard. These methods have a rich history in driving social and political change, from the civil rights movement to modern corporate accountability efforts. While they come with challenges in our complex world, your actions can still make a significant impact.

Before You Act

  1. Research and align: Ensure the protest or boycott aligns with your values and has clear goals.
  2. Know your rights: Understand your First Amendment rights and what to do if arrested during a protest.
  3. Stay informed: Keep up with news about company practices and ownership for effective boycotting.

During a Protest

  1. Safety first: Buddy up, dress appropriately, and stay vigilant.
  2. Follow organizers: Respect their experience and requests.
  3. Protect privacy: Be mindful when documenting to protect others’ identities.

After the protest ends or you’ve made changes to your shopping list, keep the momentum going. Use what you’ve learned to become a more effective advocate. Engage in conversations that bridge divides, but be aware of their limitations. Follow up with elected officials or companies to reinforce your message – a phone call, email, or letter can go a long way.

Boycotting effectively in today’s world requires a bit of strategy. Many brands are part of larger conglomerates, making it tricky to completely avoid certain companies. Instead of just avoiding, consider actively supporting businesses whose ethics align with your values. Use your consumer power to push for transparency – companies are increasingly responsive to customers who demand openness about their practices and efforts to improve.

When organizing a boycott, remember that visibility is key. As the Community Tool Box suggests, “Picket the organization you are boycotting. This can be an effective way to discourage people from patronizing the target of your boycott, and to educate the public about what your group is doing.” This direct action can amplify your message and increase the impact of your boycott.

Remember, your voice and choices matter. Protesting and boycotting may not always feel immediately impactful, but they’ve been instrumental in driving change throughout history. Stay informed, consider the broader impact of your actions, and choose methods of engagement that resonate with your values and goals. In the end, it’s about making your voice heard and standing up for what you believe in – whether that’s in the streets, at the checkout counter, or from your living room.

Other ways to get involved when you can’t vote

  1. Know Your Rights: Laws are changing. Stay informed about your state’s policies on voting rights restoration for felons or noncitizen voting in local elections.
  2. Join the Ground Game: Organizations like United We Dream, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, and the Immigration Advocates Network are civic powerhouses. They offer “citizen academies,” English classes, and leadership training. Get involved and level up your civic skills.
  3. Educate and Mobilize: You might not be able to vote, but you can sure as hell make sure others do. Hit the streets, knock on doors, spread the word about the issues that matter to you.
  4. Speak Up: Most city council and board meetings have public comment periods. Use them. Tell your story. Make them hear how policies impact real lives – your life.
  5. Volunteer: Campaigns, nonprofits, and community organizations always need help. Your time and energy can make a huge difference.
  6. Donate: If you’ve got the means, put your money where your mouth is. Support candidates or causes you believe in.
  7. Join a Union: Labor organizations can be powerful advocates for workers’ rights, including those of immigrants and other disenfranchised groups.
  8. Sign Petitions: It might seem small, but every signature counts when pushing for change.
  9. Write to Officials: Remember, they represent all constituents, not just voters. Make your voice heard through letters, emails, or social media.
  10. Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Keep up with local and national news, especially on issues that affect your community.
  11. Support Voting Rights Restoration: If you’re a felon who’s lost voting rights, get involved with organizations working to restore those rights in your state.

Resources and Further Reading

Remember, just because you can’t cast a ballot doesn’t mean you can’t cast your voice. Get loud, get involved, and make them hear you. Your future – our future – depends on it.