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                   | What You Can Do Get Informed Negative campaigning can turn off people and misinformation can confuse them. Fact Check is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in US politics. They monitor the factual accuracy of what is said in major political ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. Vote! The US ranks 139th in the world for voter turnout during the period 1945 - 1998. Women's Voices - Women Vote reports that nearly 20 million unmarried women did not vote in the US in 2004. Before US women won the right to vote in 1920, the prevalent thinking was that men voted for their entire family (and, therefore women didn't need to vote.) Since a quarter of the population is too young to vote, when you cast your ballot, you are also voting on behalf of your children. Vote to ensure your views, and the future of your sons and daughters and your nieces and nephews, are represented. Over 90% of the people in the US Congress that run for re-election, get re-elected. If you believe a new candidate will represent you as well as an incumbent, vote for her! An incumbent with more experience may not represent you better – he may just have been part of the system longer. That doesn’t mean that his life experiences, which shape his perspectives and opinions, represent your perspectives and opinions. Volunteer Volunteer to work on a woman candidate's campaign. This is a great way to learn about the campaign process and to develop networking and organizing skills. Volunteer to get out the vote. Get you friends, family members and colleagues at work to vote. If they have become disenchanted with the system, ask them to vote for a change. Recruit Encourage women community leaders, women from law and political science programs and women with military leadership experience to run for office and to run campaigns. Several organizations provide campaign and fundraising assistance including Women's Campaign School at Yale University, Women's Campaign Forum, EMILY's List, and the WISH List.
Run! Run for office. Consider local groups: the school board or the city council. Focus on higher opportunities at the state and national level. Don't wait to be asked. Test the waters. If you don't know how to get started, campaign schools can help. Your country needs you! |
© 2009 - Equal Representation
| Equal Representation –The Essence of Democracy Updated 2009-02-14 |