Could Philadelphia Cultivate Climate ‘Super-Voters’? The Environmental Voter Project’s Initiative

Volunteers from the Environmental Voter Project are actively canvassing Philadelphia neighborhoods to encourage individuals who care about climate change, yet have historically low voter turnout, to become engaged voters. This initiative, led by Hilary Naiberk, aims to create a network of “climate super-voters” ahead of the 2024 presidential election, focusing on motivating registered voters to prioritize voting as a means of political engagement on environmental issues.

In Philadelphia, volunteers affiliated with the Environmental Voter Project have engaged in a concerted effort to turn individuals passionate about climate change into reliable voters, termed “climate super-voters.” This initiative targets registered voters who typically exhibit low electoral participation despite their environmental concerns. Hilary Naiberk, a volunteer leading the canvassing efforts, emphasized the importance of this outreach, stating, “Today we’re going to be talking to registered voters who are unlikely to vote in this upcoming election, about getting out to vote.” Given the tight race anticipated in Pennsylvania for the 2024 presidential election, the project aims to sway critical votes by demonstrating to climate-conscious citizens how their voting power can influence political accountability on environmental issues. The founder of the Environmental Voter Project, Nathaniel Stinnett, articulated a dual approach to this challenge: the more arduous route of persuading apathetic voters to care about climate change and the comparatively easier task of motivating those already concerned to participate in elections. “Politicians will only lead on climate when voters force them to,” he remarked, underpinning the need for engagement. Stinnett pointed out that demographic factors play a significant role in identifying potential environmental voters. Research suggests that younger individuals and seniors are more inclined to prioritize climate in their political agendas. Moreover, communities of color, particularly Black and Asian American populations, alongside women, showcase heightened concern for climate issues compared to their white male counterparts. The nonpartisan organization steers clear of discussions surrounding candidates or parties; their focus is strictly on ensuring participation at the polls. With the 2024 presidential candidates displaying starkly differing views on climate, the canvassing efforts abstain from directly discussing climate policies. Instead, they use peer influence as a strategic tool to foster commitment to vote. For instance, canvassers communicate neighborhood turnout statistics to encourage individuals to participate. Despite not addressing climate change during canvassing, Naiberk and her team believe that their commitment to facilitating voter turnout contributes to broader political pressure for climate action. As they progressed through the Manayunk area, reaching numerous individuals, Naiberk articulated the stakes of their work: “I want to be a parent, and thinking about the future of my future children, I want to know that I’ve done what I can.” This approach posits that enhancing voting rates among those who prioritize climate could represent a crucial shift in electoral outcomes in a state where past elections have been determined by narrow margins.

The Environmental Voter Project is a national nonprofit organization focused on transforming environmentally conscious individuals into consistent voters, leveraging the impact of civic engagement to influence political rhetoric and policy on climate issues. With the upcoming 2024 presidential election deemed crucial for environmental legislation, efforts to boost voter turnout among this demographic have intensified, particularly in battleground states such as Pennsylvania. By focusing on grassroots canvassing, the project seeks to engage individuals who typically do not vote, despite their strong values regarding climate and the environment, thereby amplifying their political voice and demanding accountability from elected officials.

The Environmental Voter Project’s canvassing efforts in Philadelphia represent a strategic initiative aimed at engaging environmentally conscious individuals, enhancing their electoral participation, and fostering a climate-aware voting base. By focusing on encouraging commitment to vote rather than partisan issues, the project fosters a community of informed, active voters that could significantly impact local and national elections. This method not only highlights the intersection of climate awareness and civic duty but also reflects an innovative approach to mobilizing an underrepresented demographic in the electoral process.

Original Source: whyy.org