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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — United Way of Southwest Michigan recently partnered with “When We All Vote,” a nonprofit, non-partisan organization launched in 2018 to promote voter engagement. UWSM is launching efforts to reach eligible voters in the southwest Michigan area via digital events, social media, traditional media and online advertising.

“Civic engagement is a top priority for United Way of Southwest Michigan, and it starts with awareness, education, and participation,” said Heather Cole, director of advocacy for UWSM. “When We All Vote is on a mission to increase participation in every election and help close the race and age voting gap. Together, we will work towards changing the culture around voting — starting here in our counties.”

Through the United Way co-branded “When We All Vote” website, everyone can:

• Check voter registration status here: weall.vote/checkregistration
• Register to vote here: whenweallvote.org/uww

Key dates this year for voters to remember:

• Aug. 4 — Michigan State Primary Election
• Sept. 22 — National Voter Registration Day
• Oct. 24 — National Vote Early Day
• Nov. 3 — Election Day

Funding for UWSM’s digital voter engagement campaign comes from an “Engaging New Voters 2020” grant from the Michigan Nonprofit Association. In addition to funds, grant recipients including UWSM receive materials, swag, digital tools, trainings, technical assistance, peer learning exchanges, and evaluation and analysis from MNA.

Already this year, UWSM has participated in United Way Worldwide’s civic engagement campaign “United We Count. United We Vote.” The campaign is mobilizing local United Ways, partners and citizens in ensuring communities are counted in the census and can exercise their right to vote.

“At United Way, we know change doesn’t happen alone, that we need every voice to matter and every vote to count,” Cole said.