Advanced GOTV Strategies: How PACs are Driving Civic Engagement
April 2026
Corporate and association PACs play a critical role in strengthening civic participation, and as the 2026 midterm elections approach, many organizations are looking for new ways to motivate their eligible communities to engage in the democratic process. At the National PAC Conference’s breakout session, “Advanced GOTV and Civic Engagement Strategies,” PAC leaders shared practical examples of how companies are expanding their get-out-the-vote (GOTV) initiatives and embedding civic engagement into their organizational culture.
One of the central themes of the session was why organizations should invest in GOTV efforts. The speakers, Dee Janovsky with Delta Air Lines and Megan Boland with Mastercard, emphasized that these initiatives serve as both good corporate citizenship and good business. Encouraging employees and stakeholders to vote strengthens civic institutions while also raising brand awareness and fostering stronger relationships with elected officials and policymakers.
Speakers pointed to innovative approaches that are making an impact. The Mastercard Votes initiative, for example, features a comprehensive internal platform that provides trustworthy, easy-to-understand information about the voting process. By offering a centralized hub with voting resources, candidate information and insights from credible political experts such as election analysts Nathan Gonzales and David Wasserman, the program helps Mastercard employees cut through political noise and better understand the electoral landscape. Mastercard keeps its GOTV program internal and ensures that it remains focused on education and participation rather than advocacy.
Delta Air Lines has taken a broader approach with its Delta People Vote initiative, which includes both internal and external engagement strategies. The company’s Vote Before You Fly campaign encourages employees and travelers to cast their ballots early, where state and local laws allow, if they will be traveling on Election Day. Delta also provides toolkits that employees can share through various internal communication channels, helping information spread organically throughout the organization.
Delta ensures that its civic engagement efforts remain nonpartisan by separating candidate meet-and-greet events from its GOTV campaign. The program also leverages national civic engagement days such as National Voter Registration Day, National Voter Education Week, Vote Early Day and Election Hero Day to drive participation.
Another key takeaway that the speakers stressed is the importance of meeting employees where they are. Delta has used creative communication channels, from social media posts and travel-related messaging to an internal newsletter known as the Porcelain Press, placed in employee restrooms at its Atlanta headquarters. The company also sends reminders to employees encouraging them to vote before traveling on Election Day.
Speakers also highlighted the power of peer engagement, noting that ambassador and advocate programs can help embed civic participation into company culture. “People are our strength, and when people see other people taking action, they are more likely to do so,” said Janovsky.
The session also underscored two lessons learned for effective engagement. First, simpler messaging proved more effective than complex communications. Second, initiatives had the strongest results when employees were empowered to share information within their networks rather than relying on senior executives to drive engagement.
As the National PAC Conference celebrates its 50th anniversary, sessions like this demonstrate how PAC leaders strengthen civic engagement and ensure that their communities are informed, empowered and ready to participate.
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Speakers highlighted the power of peer engagement, noting that ambassador and advocate programs can help embed civic participation into company culture.
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