The Environmental Voter Project is canvassing in Philadelphia to motivate individuals passionate about climate issues to increase their voter turnout. Through targeted outreach and a strategy focused on voter engagement rather than direct political advocacy, the project aims to influence the upcoming elections in Pennsylvania, where climate policy is a significant concern.
In Philadelphia, the Environmental Voter Project, a national nonprofit organization, is mobilizing volunteers to engage individuals passionate about climate issues but who historically have low voter turnout. During a recent canvassing event in the Manayunk neighborhood, volunteers, including Hilary Naiberk, sought to encourage registered voters to participate in the upcoming elections by reaching out to those identified as climate-conscious yet unlikely to vote. The motivation for this initiative stems from the competitive nature of the upcoming presidential election in Pennsylvania, where even a slight increase in voter turnout among environmental advocates could sway results. Nathaniel Stinnett, the founder of the Environmental Voter Project, emphasizes that “politicians will only lead on climate when voters force them to”. Rather than attempting to persuade new voters to prioritize climate issues, the organization focuses on encouraging those already concerned about the environment to utilize their voting power. Utilizing data-driven methods, the organization identifies potential climate voters based on their demographics and behaviors. The findings reveal that young voters and those aged 65 and above are more likely to prioritize climate change. Additionally, communities of color are more inclined to consider climate an important issue, and demographics such as outdoor activity participation and technology usage—like purchasing Apple products—are correlated with climate concern. The canvassing efforts are intentionally nonpartisan; volunteers emphasize the importance of voting without discussing specific candidates or political affiliations. Even in the face of contrasting views on climate change between candidates, the goal remains focused on increasing voter turnout. The group employs peer pressure tactics to motivate engagement, such as reminding individuals of their neighbors’ participation in past elections. This unique approach is designed to enhance feelings of accountability among potential voters, leading to increased electoral participation. Despite the unconventional strategy, public opinion researcher Chris Borick supports the initiative, recognizing that although individuals may care about climate issues, this concern has not consistently translated into voting behavior. The Environmental Voter Project aims to make a significant enough impact to influence the electoral outcome in Pennsylvania, where recent elections have been decided by narrow margins. In their latest outreach, volunteers managed to engage approximately 36 individuals out of 250 doors knocked, providing a sense of accomplishment and hope for fostering political pressure for climate action. Naiberk articulated her motivation by stating her desire to ensure a safe and clean future for coming generations, underlining the importance of civic engagement and the role of informed voters in shaping policy priorities.
The Environmental Voter Project is a national initiative aimed at transforming individuals who are passionate about environmental issues into committed voters. Recognizing that environmental advocacy often does not translate into electoral participation, the project targets registered voters who care deeply about climate change but have not historically voted. This aligns with the critical political landscape of the upcoming presidential election in Pennsylvania, where slight shifts in voter turnout can make a significant difference in outcomes.
The Environmental Voter Project’s efforts in Philadelphia highlight the importance of mobilizing climate-conscious individuals to participate in elections. By engaging with likely voters, using data-driven targeting, and emphasizing communal accountability, the project seeks to create a new wave of environmentally focused voters. The initiative underscores the critical role voter turnout plays in influencing climate policy and serves as a model for similar efforts across the country.
Original Source: whyy.org
