NATIONAL CHECK IF I CAN VOTE DAY

[norepubsin08]

I am posting this in the State Forums, the GD Forums and also here.

I propose that every liberal/progressive web site, organization and blog along with every State and County Democratic Party chair declare October 1, 2008 as NATIONAL CHECK IF I CAN VOTE DAY. By issuing such a declaration they commit sending out a text, email or phone call to all their subscribers/supporter to check if they are STILL registered to vote. To make it a fun day, I also ask that these group set up potluck house parties in the evening and hopefully screen a film about the electoral manipulation that took place in 2000 and 2004.

Just this past week there were two very distressing stories in the news. On Tuesday Yahoo reported that 300,000 folks in New Jersey who though they were registered to vote had either been purged from the rolls or their registrations had never even been entered in the first place. In Michigan on Wednesday, a Republican County Auditor stated that he would purge from the rolls any one who has had their home entered into foreclosure. As you know both these states have been blue states lately. We all remember the problems that occurred in Florida in 2000 and in New Mexico and Ohio in 2008. I feel that we would accomplish three goals with such an action:

1) the practical aspect of making sure that our supporters are actually registered to vote. By doing this on this day there would still be time to fix problems in one's ability to vote BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Most states have a 30 or 14 day preregistration deadline.

2) if enough g=groups, blogs and organization do this we would achieve critical mass and then the main stream media would take notice. If that happens, then we would get a chance to discuss the problems of the past two elections once again.

3) it would put Republican Secretary's of State, Auditors and Poll Workers on notice that the progressive movement will be much more proactive in protecting people's ability to vote and much more vigilant in safe guarding the integrity of the electoral process this time around.

I know this is a small step, but it an easy one. It would just take a quick email, text or phone call to supporters to remind them, but it could mean a lot. In a close election remember to old axiom: EVERY VOTE COUNTS. This is a justice issue to me. In order for this to be effective there has to be a massive cooperation of all like minded groups. If you feel this has merit, I am calling on all you to write to all the blogs and organizations that you are a part of to get this going. If you need more info, feel free to email me directly at: [e-mail]

In Solidarity-Mike Collier

[emlev]

1. Here are some resources to help

A lengthy list of projects people can do to work toward a fair election this year appears on the website for the new film, STEALING AMERICA: Vote By Vote. Just click on "Take Action," or go directly to the action page from http://stealingamericathemovie.org/getactive">this link.

The first item, "Verify That You're Registered To Vote," has a bunch of relevant instructions, links, etc.

And while you're there, check out what else YOU can do. That is, if it matters to you that the person who gets the most votes actually takes office.

[emlev]

2. BRAD BLOG: Dept. of Vets Affairs STILL Blocking Reg Drives!

Exclusive: Dept. Of Veterans Affairs Continues To Violate Law, Block Voter Registration Drives for Wounded Warriors

Despite VA Claim of Changed Policy, Vet Group Forced to File 'Emergency Motion' as Barriers Erected to Keep Non-Profit Group From Registering Vets at San Francisco Facility...

Blogged By John Gideon, VotersUnite.Org



Despite last week's agreement by the Dept. of Veteran Affairs that they would follow federal law --- after months of pressure from vets groups, members of Congress and the public --- and relent to allow voter registration drives on their federal facilities, The BRAD BLOG has learned that the department is continuing to block non-partisan groups access to our wounded warriors in order to sign up voters. With most voter registration deadlines for the general election just one month away, the continuing stonewall, in this case by the San Francisco VA, continues to outrage.

The non-partisan Veterans for Peace organization has now been forced to file an emergency motion with the court in order to gain access. They contacted us this morning with the following statement...

More at link

[Born_A_Truman]

3. Links to check status

Yesterday as I was registering voters I was asked where to check online if you're registered to vote.

I want to print out links and hand them out next weekend.

Does anyone have the links?

[walldude]

4. From C&L and one of the creators of the Internet

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/09/13/midday-open-thread-8/

3 minutes is all it takes to make sure you are good to vote. Click the blue box in the link.

[Born_A_Truman]

6. I see they fixed it...

I emailed the campaign yesterday because it said "Vote for Chang" instead of "Change". LOL!

[SCDem]

5. Good Idea - But October 1st is a little late

In South Carolina your voter registration needs to be post marked by October 4th. That's a real slim margin of days to check and then take action.

[norepubsin08]

7. That's why I said in the letter tweak it to your

perfection, feel free to make a date sooner than that in SC state CHECK IF I CAN VOTE DAY...thanks-Mike C

[quantass]

8. URL Links to CHECK if you're REGISTERED TO VOTE....

Vote Poke: https://www.votepoke.org/index.html
Vote For Change: https://www.voteforchange.com/

Tell everyone you know to check before their respective state closes registration.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

9. K&R

Deadlines are coming!

[quantass]

10. k&r