Civic Engagement

A Path to Your Voice. A Path to Your Future. A Path to Your Vote.

Getting involved as a New American voter is crucial for influencing the decisions that impact our lives, and it goes beyond just registering to vote. Achieving true civic engagement demands a commitment to actively participating in your community and advocating for meaningful change. Our Voter Engagement path outlines the 4 steps toward becoming a proactive voter in your community.

  • Naturalization:

    Naturalization is the process when newcomers become U.S. citizens. Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. One of the most important rights and responsibilities Americans should exercise, protect, and honor is our freedom to vote in elections for public officials.

  • Voter Registration:

    Voter registration is a secure and safe process that allows you to vote early and on Election Day. This step involves you registering to vote in your community.

    Register to Vote

    Disclaimer: Voting requirements vary by state.

    State Guidelines for Voting

  • Voter Education:

    Voter education is essential because it empowers citizens to make informed choices, increases voter turnout, holds elected officials accountable, combats misinformation, and strengthens democratic processes overall.

    Explore Early and Election Day Voting Options
    Research Candidates and Know What's on Your Ballot

  • Voter Mobilization:

    Voter mobilization is crucial because it ensures democratic participation, representation of diverse interests, influences policy decisions, holds leaders accountable, strengthens democratic institutions, empowers communities, and fosters long-term civic engagement.

    • Volunteer with local organizations to Get out the Vote (GOTV)
    • Share and inspire others with stories of new Americans voting in this election online, using the hashtag #NewAmericanVoter
    Sign the Pathmaker Pledge Card

Wear your support on your sleeve!

Image
Each purchase of a shirt is a $10 donation to CWS to help us work toward our vision of a world where everyone has food, voice, and a safe place to call home.
Purchase Here

Further Resources

Civic Engagement Toolkit
Expressing Welcome in a Time of Division
Press Engagement How-to Guide
Who Are Asylum Seekers?
What's at Stake for Unaccompanied Children
The President's Impact on Refugee Resettlement
What's at Stake for DACA and TPS recipients

Featured Stories

Ballots and Belonging: Voting for the Family I Love

Turning 18 was more than just a milestone for me—it was the beginning of my journey into civic engagement, deeply inspired by my parents’ immigration story. My mom, a naturalized citizen from Mexico, had been voting since she was eligible. But my dad, a Legal Permanent Resident, had contributed to the U.S. in many ways—paying taxes and building a life …

Restoring a Legacy of Welcome: From Ellis Island to Matamoros  

Last summer, as I stood on a ferry deck cutting around the Hudson River, I saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island come into view—symbols of hope, refuge and opportunity for newcomer families arriving in the United States. This experience marked the beginning of a trip that I took to New York City as part of the Monitoring & …

A Journey to Civic Participation

King Rukiranya’s journey began in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After fleeing conflict in 2005, he spent four years in Burundi before moving to Kenya in 2010, where he was granted asylum through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). In August 2015, he was resettled in the U.S. through the UNHCR program. The path was long and difficult, …