What's on the ballot?

“Vote YES!”, “Vote NO!” What does a yes or no vote mean for the ballot measures in your state? Explore the big issues of the 2024 elections. Share what’s on the ballot in your state and community– what do you care about the most?

What’s on the ballot where you live?

Make a short video to explore what voters in your state or community are considering on election day– November 5, 2024. Pick a ballot measure you care about and make a video that’s 60 seconds or less.

Film vertically. Use your phone, and tell an informative story– in your own voice– that educates other people about what’s on the ballot where you live.

You can create a video diary-style story and include yourself on camera if you’d like. Be sure to include b-roll to make your video as visually interesting as possible!

Start by doing research about what issues are on the ballot where you live, and choose one issue that’s important to you.

For vertical short videos: TikToks, IG Reels, YT Shorts

• Always introduce yourself first (name, grade, school, city and state) and what you’re doing (Example: Hi, I’m SARAH SMITH. I’m in 10th grade and I go to FLOWER HIGH SCHOOL in FLOWER, VIRGINIA and I’m looking into some of the local ballot measures in this midterm elections. For example…
• Plan your video (write a script or key points)
• Pick an ideal filming location (make sure you don’t film in front of a plain wall or cluttered background)
• Prioritize lighting (avoid backlighting or having your back facing the window)
• Does everything sound okay? Minimize background noise or echo (i.e. turn off the fan, set your phone notifications to silent) Avoid busy or crowded areas like hallways. Consider using a microphone, or headphones with a mic attached
• Film vertically/portrait mode for TikTok, Instagram Reels, 9:16 aspect ratio (film using your phone camera, NOT the TikTok app camera)
• Edit TikToks using a third party app or software (NOT the TikTok app studio)
• Keep each TikTok, IG Reel, YT Short under 90 seconds.
• Be yourself! Remember to bring your energy and personality.

• Ballotpedia
• Your county or city board of elections
• What's on the Ballot? Google Doc

• Abortion rights advocates launch 'Vote Yes' campaign as Maryland ahead of vote on new amendment
• CA Prop 1: Californians split on vote to tackle homelessness, mental health crisis
• Equal Rights Amendment Advances To New York Voters In November 2024
• $18 minimum wage in California? What to know about next year’s ballot measure

FILL OUT THE SUBMISSION FORM HERE (UPDATED FORM COMING SOON)

You must also have this release form completed to confirm your participation in Student Reporting Labs (SRL). NOTE: The SRL team evaluates pieces based on this criteria. Please be sure your story incorporates these requirements.

IMPORTANT: If you are submitting Google Drive links, ​you must change the share settings from "restricted" to "allow general access: anyone with a link can edit."

NOTE: students are encouraged to publish their stories on their school/club/program website or through video/social platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or Twitter and tag Student Reporting Labs. Check with your teacher to find out instructions for class submissions.

FACEBOOK: /STUDENTREPORTINGLABS

TWITTER: @REPORTINGLABS

INSTAGRAM: @STUDENTREPORTINGLABS

TIKTOK: @REPORTINGLABS