Postcards For America: Become Part of the Postcard Nation

Doomscroll (v.) to spend excessive time online scrolling through news or other content that makes one feel sad, anxious, angry, etc.

Have you ever found yourself jumping online to “see what’s going on” and only log out hours later in the grips of a panic attack? Or checked your social media before going to bed and read until the wee hours, too wound up to even attempt sleep? It’s called doomscrolling — and it’s not good for anything other than making more money for billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

Fortunately, if you suffer from this distressing habit, we have the antidote for you! It’s called postcarding (though “long-hand-scrolling” is pretty accurate) and it’s a fantastic form of grassroots activism. Writing postcards to boost voter turnout, registration or a candidate is one of the easiest actions you can take to make a real difference in the political environment of this country.

Study after study has shown that sending postcards drives more people to the polls. Here are a few highlights from postcard campaigns that have conducted their own studies.

• The Center for Common Ground sent postcards to Black voters, increasing turnout in the 2024 general election in Virginia by 8.2% and in Georgia by 3.6%.

• Sister District compared turnout of Arizona primary voters in 2022 who received either a completely handwritten postcard, a partially handwritten postcard, or no postcard. Those who received a completely handwritten message voted at the highest rate.

• A meta-analysis by Postcard Turnout Project showed that their postcards increased turnout by 0.23% in the 2022 midterms and likely generated between 7-14 voters per 100 volunteer hours.

Significantly, Donald Green and Alan Gerber, political scientists and pioneers of voter mobilization, analyzed 15 public studies and wrote about their findings in the latest edition of Get Out the Vote. They stated that handwritten postcards turn out 1 vote for every 71 postcards sent – which is about three times as effective as conventional nonpartisan GOTV mail.

Postcarding may be the most flexible form of activism out there. Because postcard campaigns provide voter lists, and often postcards and messaging, all you need is a pen, a writing surface, and a stamp. Plus, people can approach postcarding in whatever way feels comfortable or fits their free time.

Introverts or anyone hoping to disengage from the chaos can write postcards on their own, even in the comfort of their home. But people who draw energy from like-minded people to fight the MAGA takeover can join a postcard party. Many pen-wielding activists say that postcarding is an ideal way to be socialize, find new friends, and make a difference.

I LOVE doing this! I've gotten my mother involved and just enjoy contributing. I'm in MO and it's most difficult here so I appreciate the ability to help in other areas.

—Elizabeth

The good news? You don’t have to wait until the midterms in 2026 to get writing. People are postcarding across the country right now. Here are some important campaigns to join.

➡️ Virginia and New Jersey are voting for governors this November, while Pennsylvanians will decide whether three Democratic State Supreme Court justices stay in their seats. Postcards to Swing States will send you free postcards, voter lists and proven message options. Sign up to write to voters today!

➡️ Progressive Turnout Project is experimenting with an entirely new concept: postcarding to combat disinformation and share the truth about the harm caused by Trump and Republicans. These postcards, going out to Virginians, are truly ripped from the headlines. Sign up NOW to send news-boosting postcards!

➡️ Trump is trying to rig the 2026 elections by changing congressional districts in Texas and other red states. California’s Proposition 50, on the ballot this November, will temporarily redistrict and stop Trump’s plan to seize total power for two more years. Help pass the Election Rigging Response Act! Get postcards through Activate America or join a postcard party near you through Mobilize!

With elections coming down to just a handful of votes, each vote makes a difference. Become part of the proud postcard nation today!