KGDD-AM Encourages Listeners to Vote

Topic: Politics and Election Coverage

With a commitment to getting out the message that each vote makes a difference, KGDD-AM in Portland, Ore., launched its “El Voto Latino Campaign.” Before the Oregon primaries, the station, along with sister station KSZN-AM, ran one-minute public service announcements (PSAs) more than a dozen times each day encouraging listeners to register to vote. Thirty- and 15-second voter registration PSAs also aired in high rotation. Broadcasts on KGDD were filled with information on the candidates’ visits to Oregon, providing listeners with resources to find additional information about both the candidates and the issues. Every Monday through Friday, the station’s mobile unit went on the road, providing the community with multiple places to pick up voter registration forms, which were also passed out by station staff during the Cinco de Mayo Festival. Because of the station’s efforts, 5,000 forms were distributed before the primary elections. Now in high gear for the general election, the station plans on getting voter registration forms into the hands of thousands more in the Hispanic community. Additional voter registration form distributions will take place at well-attended events, including Festival Luis Palau at the Portland Waterfront Park and Mexican Independence celebrations. The station is working to get registration forms into Latino magazines, as well. “I am sure that working together we can have a greater impact on the Latino community and its involvement in the voting process,” said KGDD’s Erika Zacarias.

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