The results of our elections determine
the future of child care funding, Temporary Aid to Needy Families, Family Medical Leave expansion, and minimum work standards, such as paid sick leave. Women are the majority of voters and cast the deciding votes in many close elections.
9to5's Election Connection goals are to
bring more low-wage working families into the process, focus candidates on issues that matter, and build the movement. 9to5 members will bring more people into the political process through registration, education and motivation to vote. We will continue to focus the candidates' attention on real work-family solutions. Through the Election Connection we will also build 9to5's membership and activism.
Who? You!
We are focusing on 9to5's mission to have the greatest impact: to win economic justice for low-wage women. You can make a difference in getting people to the polls. Start with ensuring your own family, friends, neighbors and co-workers are ready to vote. Next think about where you could meet women from these groups outside your circle of personal contacts. Members have gone to grocery stores, food pantries, sexual harassment support groups, EEOC offices, welfare offices or senior centers in low-income neighborhoods. Find out if you could speak at a meeting or set up a table to register voters and distribute voter guides at these locations.
Why?
People vote when they believe it will
make a difference on the issues that impact their lives and when someone cares. When reaching out to potential voters, make a personal connection. Instead of leaving voter guides, or handing one to someone, ask the person what issues they're most concerned about. Once you find out, let them know how they can use the voter guide to find out which candidates support their issues by calling the candidate or attending a community forum or town hall meeting. Stress the importance their vote will have on the issues. If they're concerned about family leave, for example, remind them that who wins and loses in Congress will determine whether bills pending in Congress will move forward.
How?
The key to successful turnout at elections is to
make contacts and make voting easy. If your state allows deputy registration, register them to vote, or let them know how they can register or submit an absentee ballot. If they care about working women issues, make sure to get their contact info and call/or email them before the election to remind them to vote. Project Vote-Smart offers instant access to a wealth of information on candidates, elected officials, status of pending legislation and voter registration. Find them on the web at www.vote-smart.org.
Sign the following postcard, My Voice, My Vote, and view the Voter Guide. For more great ideas, including more of these materials and information on your state, contact the activist network at 1-800-669-0925 or email activist(at)9to5.org
