Registering to vote has never been more convenient. A new chat bot service called HelloVote helps its users register to vote without leaving the comfort of their own homes — all you need is your cell phone. No, seriously, that's all you need. HelloVote lets you register to vote using text message. Now there's no excuse to find yourself without a ballot in your hand, come election day.
HelloVote is a non-profit tool that is on a mission to help all eligible voters cast their ballots on Nov. 8. The service was created by Fight for the Future and the Fight for the Future Education Fund, which seek to expand "the Internet's transformative power in our lives by creating civic campaigns that are engaging for millions of people." The goal is simple: make registering to vote as easy as possible.
The service is nonpartisan and aims to remove all barriers stopping people from being able to register. HelloVote is essentially the voting equivalent of buying no assembly required furniture. All you have to do is visit Hello.Vote to get started.
If you're not registered to vote yet, grab your phone and get started. There are a few different ways to register with HelloVote: The simplest way is to hop on your cell phone — it doesn't even have to be a smart phone — and text "Hello" to 384-387. The chat bot service will then ask you a few simple questions, starting with basic information like your name and zip code. HelloVote will first check to see if you're registered. This is what happened when I tried out the service, so now I know for sure that I'm ready to cast my vote in November.
If you aren't registered to vote, HelloVote will then assist you further based on what state you live in. Some states require physical paperwork and if you live in one of these states HelloVote will send a pre-filled registration form to the email account provided to them. HelloVote will even mail you a hard copy and a stamp if you do not have access to a printer. They really did think of everything.
HelloVote is also accessible on your computer. Once you've opened the site up in your browser, you can choose to use their chat bot service via Facebook Messenger instead of text message.
After using HelloVote to register, it asks you to please spread the word about their service. By letting your friends know you registered to vote, you can direct the to HelloVote so they can do the same. Senator Bernie Sanders has done just that, tweeting out the link to his followers.
Don't let this amazing tool slip through your fingers. Election day is fast approaching, so grab your phone, and get registered.
