Introducing Broadway Writes: A Letter-Writing Campaign for Voter ID Awareness

This fall, Broadway is picking up a pen. Broadway Writes is a letter-writing campaign from Broadway for Democracy, in partnership with VoteRiders, that invites Broadway and touring companies, crews, and fans to help voters get ready for Election Day.

What is Broadway Writes?

Volunteers write handwritten, nonpartisan letters to voters in states with voter ID requirements. Each letter explains what ID that voter's state asks for and where to get free help if they need it. The letters never mention candidates, parties, or ballot measures. The goal is simple: no eligible voter should be turned away because they didn't know the rules.

Why voter ID information matters

According to VoteRiders, 38 states now have a voter ID law, more than ever before. The rules differ from state to state and can change between elections, and many voters don't find out what they need until they're already at the polls. A personal letter that spells out the requirements ahead of time is one of the simplest ways to close that gap.

Who is VoteRiders?

VoteRiders is a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on voter ID education and assistance. It supplies the letter templates and state-specific ID information, so every letter is accurate and up to date.

How to take part

• Sign up. Join on your own, with friends, or with your company.
• Get your packet. VoteRiders sends letter templates and voter addresses.
• Write and mail. Handwrite the letters, add a stamp, and drop them in the mail before Election Day.

Writing together works well: a dressing room between shows, a fan meetup, or a cast night off can turn into a letter-writing session.

Broadway has done this before

This is familiar territory for the theatre community. In 2020, members of the Hamilton company joined VoteRiders and Broadway friends to co-host virtual letter-writing parties, and their first three events produced more than 62,000 personal letters with voter ID information, according to BroadwayWorld. Broadway Writes carries that spirit forward across the whole community.

Frequently asked questions

Is Broadway Writes partisan?

No. The letters share voter ID requirements and offers of help only. They never mention candidates, parties, or how to vote.

Do I have to work on Broadway to take part?

No. Fans, students, and anyone who loves theatre can write.

Does it cost anything?

The templates and voter information are free. Writers typically cover their own postage.

Can my company take part as a group?

Yes. Contact us and we'll help set it up.

Want to help Broadway show up for democracy? Donate to Broadway for Democracy.