• The Research (as featured in Time Magazine)

  Political scientists say that an increase in the number of women voting can make a big difference in elections. But how can we best encourage busy women to register and to vote?

  New research suggests that fitness classes are a great way to empower women to vote. All it takes is an instructor who is willing to try.

  Being a part of a group has long been associated with voting. This is because groups often encourage accountability and community — they make people feel both responsible and empowered.

  The most common group membership for women is enrolling in a fitness class or group. Fitness classes encourage empowerment, accountability, self-confidence, and taking control — all qualities that go well with voting. So Brian Duff and Megan Lapointe conducted research in fitness classes to see what would happen if fitness instructors encouraged women to vote. It worked. The fitness class that encouraged voting had a better voter turn out rate by 20% compared to a class that did not encourage voting.

  How to Get Involved

  As a fitness instructor, you are already helping women take control of their health and their bodies. By encouraging them to vote, you will be helping them take control of their communities and future. It’s easy! All you have to do is:

  Say you are voting and encourage them to get out there and vote!

  Remind them that getting fit is empowering and that so is voting. They are both ways to take control of our lives.

  Remind them that in class we encourage each other, inspire each other, and hold each other accountable for giving our best effort. Participating in politics works that way too.

  You can also have resources for them (a qr code to register, voter registration cards, information on polling locations).

  We can help set you up with everything you need, including where to get registration information, what to say to students, or anything else you may need.

  Tools for Instructors

  • Register to vote
  • Find out the voter registration deadline for your state
  • Learn more about voting in your state

  Easy things you can say and do to work out the vote:

  Just slipping a few words of encouragement, and having a few resources ready, can make a huge difference for the women in your classes.

  There is no need to follow any scripts exactly. They are just meant to give you a sense of the kinds of encouragement that works. Freestyle and make it your own! Say what you think will work to empower your class to empower themselves as voters.

  “Remember that an election is coming up! I brought some voter registration forms, and you can grab one after class. This class is all about taking control of your body and health. Remember, we can also take control of your communities and futures if we vote!”

  “Remember the election is coming up on [date] at [polling places]. We have voter registration cards here, and I can show you how to do it online.” 

  “Voting is a whole lot easier than this workout. But its just as important! Remember to get out there and vote. Lets make sure they take women’s voices seriously!”

  “I didn’t see any slackers in that workout. How about no slackers in the election? I want this whole group to make their voices heard!”

  “You are all strong women whose voices and opinions MATTER! [election date] is coming up soon, so I hope you’ll all sign up to vote NOW, get out there and make a difference!”
  

  

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YES, I want to empower the women in my classes to take charge of their communities and futures!