By Tracy Chiles McGhee
In a crucial election year where the stakes are higher than ever, Andrea Hailey is at the forefront of the fight to safeguard democracy. As the CEO of Vote.org, the largest nonpartisan voter registration and turnout organization in the United States, Hailey is dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter—especially young voters and those from marginalized communities—has the opportunity to make their voices heard. Her journey to this role has been just as inspiring as the work she’s done. A story of purpose, tenacity, and a steadfast commitment to democracy.
A Legacy of Civic Engagement
Hailey’s commitment to democracy is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a household of attorneys committed to protecting civil rights, she was exposed early to the importance of fighting for justice. Her parents worked on significant cases, including a collaboration with the Southern Poverty Law Center that bankrupted the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana.
“I was always aware of the forces shaping our lives. It never occurred to me that you didn’t have to fight to maintain your rights.”
These early lessons continue to fuel her work. Hailey often references Coretta Scott King’s words, "Freedom is never really won. You have to earn it and win it in every generation." It’s a message she shares with students and colleagues. “You can’t just sit back and think these are your rights forever. You have to fight for them.” Aligned with what her father taught her, Hailey sees her role at Vote.org as her time to "stand on the wall" and protect democracy, just as civil rights leaders did before her.
Hailey recalls a moment that deeply shaped her outlook on leadership and democracy. During a historic walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with Congressman John Lewis, Andrea asked him, "What did you do back then that we’re forgetting to do now?" She expected a complex, tactical answer, but his response was simple: "You have to keep your joy."
At first, she didn’t fully understand what he meant. But in the years since, the meaning of those words became clear. "Joy is how you battle exhaustion and setbacks." It’s about being in community, celebrating, and finding light in the work we do," she says. "That joy sustains you through the toughest times."
A Unique Path to Leadership
Andrea Hailey’s career has been anything but traditional. She’s worked for direct mail firms, radio and TV stations, fundraising outfits, and in policy roles on Capitol Hill. "It’s not a linear path," she admits, but every experience along the way came together when she stepped into her role at Vote.org in 2020. At the time, the organization was in disarray. The previous CEO had left under difficult circumstances, and Andrea, just days after undergoing brain surgery, took the helm.
Her plan had been to take three months off to recover in Costa Rica, where she hoped the ocean and rest would help her heal. But with the 2020 election looming and democracy under attack, she felt compelled to act. “Too much was on the line, and I knew I had the skill set to help,” she reflects. Despite her health challenges, she got to work, leading the organization through one of the most challenging election cycles in U.S. history.
Andrea’s leadership resulted in over four million voter registrations and helped drive record voter turnout with an 81% conversion rate from registration to the ballot box in 2020. Vote.org became a lifeline for 39 million people during the pandemic, providing crucial information on voting safely amidst rapidly changing COVID-19 regulations. But Hailey’s work isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust and making sure that every voter understands the power of their vote.
The Mission of Vote.org: Engaging Young Voters
Vote.org is more than a voter registration platform. Its mission is to turn out voters who are often left behind—young voters, voters of color, and those facing significant barriers to participation. The organization’s tools, like voter registration assistance, absentee ballot requests, and election reminders, make voting accessible and straightforward, especially for people navigating the system for the first time.
Historically, young people have had the lowest turnout rates of any demographic, and that’s something Hailey and her team are determined to change.
“College students are a key group for us. We create resources and tools designed to help people under 30 register to vote, and our programs are proven to be the most trusted by this demographic.”
In 2020, Vote.org quickly pivoted its campus outreach program during COVID-19, moving from in-person engagement to digital efforts. Hailey and her team worked with students to create content about voter registration deadlines and election information, all shared on social media. The results were impressive—youth voter turnout surged, and Vote.org became a trusted resource for young voters navigating the pandemic.
The focus for Vote.org is to meet young people where they receive much of their information and experience interaction —on their phones and through social media. Partnerships with platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube have been essential in reaching younger audiences.
Also, collaborations with influencers like YellowPain, who created a viral video breaking down how the government works, garnered over three million views. It was just one example of how Vote.org is tapping into the creative power of youth to encourage their peers to vote. "Young people need to see themselves in the democratic process," Hailey explains. "They need to know that their voice matters, and they can be the ones to shape the future."
Vote.org has developed a pledge-to-register tool that engages high school students before they’re eligible to vote. "We want to build a culture of voting early," Andrea explains. "If we can get 16- and 17-year-olds excited about voting, they’ll be ready to go the moment they turn 18.
Getting the Youth Vote in 2024
Hailey and Vote.org have been focused on amplifying the youth vote even more, targeting colleges and universities in key battleground states where there are large concentrations of young voters and voters of color—groups that can make a strong impact in the election. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are also a significant focus for Vote.org, as these institutions have been underrepresented in traditional voter outreach.
Vote.org also continues to form partnerships with influencers and celebrities who resonate with younger audiences. But Vote.org isn’t just relying on technology and influencers to reach young voters. They’re also working with organizations like the NBA and creating innovative programs like their arts initiative, which taps into the power of visual storytelling to inspire civic engagement. Whether it’s through music, art, or sports, the goal is to make voting feel accessible, relevant, and essential.
A Call to Action
As Hailey reflects on her work and the importance of the 2024 election, she emphasizes that the fight for democracy is not just about one election, it’s a long-term commitment. She recalls a powerful encounter when she met Juanita Abernathy, who was a formidable civil rights activist along with her husband Ralph Abernathy. When she thanked Mrs. Abernathy for her and her family’s sacrifices, Abernathy took her hands, looked into her eyes, and didn’t let go. "Stop thanking me," she said firmly, urging Andrea to carry the torch forward instead. Andrea was moved by this profound charge, reinforcing that each of us must pick up the baton and continue the race.
Hailey’s leadership has been instrumental in empowering millions of people to participate in the democratic process, but she knows the job is far from over. "We can’t wait for someone else to fix these problems," she says. "We all have a role to play." For those ready to act, she asks you "Think about what you can do—whether it’s volunteering, talking to your friends and family about their voting plan, or helping someone get to the polls. Every little bit helps, and none of it is too small."
As Black women have always been at the heart of movements for justice, Andrea’s story is a powerful reminder that we each have the power to create change. "We’re shaping the structures that will determine the future for generations to come," she says. "This is more than just getting people to vote. It’s about making sure our democracy remains intact."
As the 2024 election swiftly approaches, Andrea Hailey’s message is clear: “Do. Build. Create,” and, above all, show up—individually and collectively—to safeguard the enduring freedoms we hold dear.