So you’re thinking about reaching out to your neighbor who hasn’t voted in 20 years. You want to have them vote for your preferred candidate (may I suggest Brian Nash?), but you don’t know how to approach the conversation.

There are a few key principles I suggest you keep in mind:

1. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say.
   No matter who you are trying to advocate for, people can sniff out a sales pitch and spot insincerity from a mile away. Ask questions and listen to their concerns—people want to feel heard and valued.

2. Respect their intelligence.
   They’re not dumb or uneducated because they haven’t voted. Many non-voters feel ignored by politicians or powerless to change the issues keeping them awake at night. Acknowledge their experiences and frustrations without judgment.

3. Acknowledge their past frustrations.
   If someone hasn’t voted in 20 years, there’s a reason. Ask them about their feelings toward politics—have they felt let down or forgotten? Validate their concerns without dismissing them, and share why you believe this candidate could genuinely make a difference.

4. Use what you know to your advantage.
   If you know they’re facing a financial hardship or medical issues, it’s okay to gently point out how your candidate aligns with their needs. Be sensitive to their situation, but don’t be afraid to highlight how real policy changes could improve their lives.

5. Focus on shared values, not party lines.
   Avoid framing the conversation around political labels, which can be divisive. Instead, emphasize shared values like affordable healthcare, fair wages, or safer communities. Connect your candidate’s platform to issues that directly impact their daily lives.

6. Small tidbits over time go a long way.
   If your candidate does something that will help your neighbor, share it with them casually. If the candidate is speaking nearby, invite your neighbor to attend with you. Regular, small points of connection are often more persuasive than a one-time pitch.

7. Avoid overwhelming them.
   A flood of policy points or campaign slogans can feel like too much. Keep the conversation simple, relevant, and personal. If they show interest, you can always follow up with more information later.

8. Empower them by focusing on their voice.
   Remind them that their vote is a form of power. In many races, just a few votes can make a real difference. Help them see that their participation isn’t just symbolic—it’s a tangible way to shape their future.

9. Be patient—change takes time.
   If they aren’t immediately convinced, that’s okay. You’ve opened the door for future conversations. Sometimes people just need time to reflect and feel like their voice matters before they decide to engage.

10. Offer to make the process easier.
    The logistics of voting can feel overwhelming for some. Offer to guide them through voter registration, remind them of key deadlines, or even go vote together. Reducing friction makes it easier for them to take action.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to win a vote—it’s to rebuild trust in the democratic process and show your neighbor that their voice matters. Your genuine, patient approach could be the reason someone decides to re-engage after years on the sidelines.