Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Gifford

Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I’ve been a lifelong voter. It started young when I stood in line with my parents at their polling place and continued throughout my life. After a long and successful career in technology, where I saw software solutions for nearly every challenge out there – I wondered why there weren’t more tools for voters who wanted to be a part of the system but found it hard to find the time to get informed.

So I started ActiVote (https://acti.vote/pressO) with the goal of ensuring that every American could be prepared for every election and form their own personal civic habit along the way. 5 years after getting started we have proven with data that we can help infrequent voters turn into super voters! And now in 2024 our goal is to reach everyone in America who wants to vote, but finds the process difficult.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Someone once told me, “It takes years and years of hard work to become an overnight success.” And civic tech is no different. Talking about politics can be polarizing. Many people just shut down at the mention of voting as they find the process difficult and the personalities power-hungry. They may feel that their vote doesn’t count and wonder what impact they can make. With all of that background it takes a lot of persuasion and persistence to get through and help encourage people to explore their opportunities to vote. When the road isn’t smooth, it teaches you when to accelerate and when to slow down in order to achieve your goals!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ActiVote?

ActiVote is changing the way citizens engage with their government. Our easy to use nonpartisan app educates voters on important issues, when and where they can cast their vote, connects them with their elected officials, and allows them to make their voice heard by quickly answering key polling questions.

Every voter is important in the American democratic system. While national elections may be decided in other states, for most people their ballot will be filled by local offices, state legislative districts or even county officials. Those officials live and work in the same place that you do and your influence is much bigger over their reelection. We are proud that we spend our time empowering every voter to cast their vote. We are proud that we help turn infrequent voters into supervoters and people who find the process daunting into advocates themselves within their family or network of friends.

If you are reading this piece then either you are already a voter. Thanks! Please think of three people that you know who may not vote and ask them about their plans for the upcoming election. If you are not already a voter, then take a few moments to check out ActiVote (https://acti.vote/pressO) and think about participating in this year’s election cycle.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?

There are a few resources that I couldn’t do without. Professionally it is Canva – I’m not an expert in graphics and it makes life easy when you need to create an eye-catching visual to accompany your content. Physically it is Fitbit – it helps me pay attention to my movement every day and feel confident about my health. Personally it is Libby – getting access to nearly any audio book from my public library keeps me sane and entertained.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.activote.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ActiVoteUS
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActiVoteUS
• Twitter: https://x.com/ActiVoteUS
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwd3TOP7yXurqUYF6dcSBKQ

Image Credits
Sara Gifford & Victor Allis, Co-Founders of ActiVote