National

Union Members to Participate in National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 25


AFL-CIO Surpasses Union Registration Goals
“Get your vote hands ready!” video encourages people to get warmed up to vote: http://bit.ly/UD4dbC

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–September 25 – The AFL-CIO is joining hundreds of community groups and grassroots organizations for National Voter Registration Day today.  In 2008, six million eligible Americans were unable to vote because they did not have the tools to register or missed their registration deadlines. This year, through events around the country and using social media and technology, tens of thousands of people around the country are estimated to register today. The AFL-CIO is encouraging everyone to spread the word about National Voter Registration Day through our “Get Your Vote Hands Ready!” video.

During this election season, the AFL-CIO has made voter registration a priority and in June launched its strongest voter protection program ever in key battleground states. The Federation set a goal of increasing union member registration nationally from 70% to 75% accounting for 400,000 new union voters at the polls by November 2012.  Because of the tremendous efforts at the grassroots level that goal has already been reached.

AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker said the following: “While working families will never outmatch the right wing dollars poured into politics to skew our democracy, we can organize and stand up together. Corporate power will never compare to people power. We will make sure that everyone has the information they need to ensure their voices are heard at the polls. The right to vote matters and the voices of the people will not be silenced.”

National Voter Registration Day Activities:

  • The Nevada New Majority Coalition (a labor and community coalition) announced the registration of more than 25,000 voters for the November election and plans to register more at events tomorrow.
  • The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance will hold voter registration drives at Seafood City in Las Vegas, Nevada and Rosslyn Metro Station in Northern Virginia.
  • Georgia STAND-UP (a labor and community alliance) will hold a press-conference, march and rally as well as several voter registration drives across the state today.
  • The Monroe/Lenawee County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council in Michigan will open up its office for a voter registration drive from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Source: aflcio.org


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