Voter Participation Center

Founded in 2003, the Voter Participation Center (VPC) right here in Washington, D.C. strives to amplify the voices of the “New American Majority.” The VPC recognized that young people, people of color, and unmarried women were underrepresented in voter rolls. They decided to do something about it. The Voter Participation Center isn’t just about getting people registered. It’s about fostering a sense of civic duty and empowering these groups to shape their own future. Initially called Women’s Voices Women Vote (WVWV), the Voter Participation Center was founded by Page Gardner. The organization’s initial focus was on the “marriage gap,” the disparity in voting rates between married and unmarried women. Their research highlighted how marital status significantly influenced voter registration and turnout. In 2004, the Voter Participation Center made a splash with a public service announcement featuring Jennifer Aniston. She encouraged unmarried women to register and exercise their right to vote. This was just one of the many ways the VPC has used its platform to reach a wider audience. Over the years, the Voter Participation Center has expanded its focus to include other demographic groups within the “New American Majority.” They’ve launched impactful campaigns, partnering with celebrities like Julia Louis-Dreyfus to spread the word. By 2020, the VPC had registered over 4 million voters. They continue to work tirelessly to close the representation gap and ensure everyone has a voice in our democracy.