Introduction
In the fight for democracy, elections are often the frontlines where the most critical battles are won or lost. Authoritarian leaders know this well—they use electoral victories to legitimize their power and often suppress turnout to stay in control. That's why empowering pro-democracy voters can be a game-changer.
This volume of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit focuses on Get Out the Vote (GOTV) strategies. These are not just about increasing turnout but about creating a shared purpose that unites people**.** Voting is more than a civic duty; it's a way to advocate for change and shape a future that reflects the diversity of our societies.
Here, we have curated a set of proven GOTV strategies, or “plays,” adaptable to different contexts. These plays don't just get people to the polls; they build a sense of belonging, hope, and collective power. From vote tripling and election monitoring to distributed organizing and transpartisan coalitions, each play engages voters on a deeper level, showing them that their vote is not just a single act but a step in a collective journey**.**
This volume emphasizes that modern GOTV campaigns must go beyond neutral, traditional civic engagement. In the fight for democracy, an effective GOTV campaign must be political**.** So don't shy away from presenting your views and offering real solutions on the issues people care about most. Voters are motivated by values, and those values must be at the heart of mobilization efforts.
Our goal is simple yet powerful: to give you the tools to engage, inspire, and turn people into agents of democracy.
These plays have been tested in some of the most challenging environments. Please, use them, adapt them, and share them with your networks.
With love,
Nika Kovač. Executive Director, D-Hub.
Download the Volume Today
Take your copy with you and learn how to fight back against authoritarians