WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This Halloween, in addition to candy you may be asked to commit to vote by the witch, monster or vampire at your door. Thousands of young people are participating in Trick or Vote to remind people to vote this election. This year, Trick or Vote events are scheduled in 41 states across the country offering young voters a Halloween mix of costume parties and community service.

"Voting isn't scary—in fact it's a lot of fun. Trick or Vote is seeing amazing interest on the ground from young voters," said Matt Singer, Executive Director of The Bus Federation. "2012 is our biggest year yet. It's a fun way to engage with people around the election -- in costumes."

There are 277 events scheduled with thousands of expected volunteers—that's a 300% increase over 2010. According to a study conducted by Yale University, knocking on doors can increase voter turnout by 8-12%, more than any other activity. One third of Trick or Vote participants surveyed in 2008 responded that it was their first volunteer experience.

"There's a method to our madness. Voting and democracy needs to be fun," continued Singer, dressed as a Votebot this Halloween. "Too often election season means negative ads and cynicism. Reminding everyone that democracy doesn't have to be unpleasant is the trick to getting people excited."

To reach the most people possible, Trick or Vote offers anybody who wants to participate all the tools they need to recruit volunteers and walk their neighborhoods. Through trickorvote.org, groups of all sizes can get their fright on under the Trick or Vote brand (so long as it all stays nonpartisan, of course).

The national effort features partners from across the country, including the Student PIRGs, local AAUW chapters, Campus Progress, the League of Young Voters Education Fund, Forward Montana Foundation, the Oregon Bus Project Foundation, the Washington Bus Education Fund, New Era Colorado Foundation, local Urban Leagues around the country and many more.

For more information and a list of events visit: trickorvote.org

SOURCE The Bus Federation