FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT DEB PETERSON
This past April at the 44th Representative Assembly & Presidents’ Conference, NYSUT rolled out its PLEDGE TO VOTE CAMPAIGN. The purpose of this action plan is to increase NYSUT member voter turnout in Local, State & National Elections. BACKGROUND: In 2014, only 83% of NYSUT members were registered to vote. Furthermore, less than 56% of THOSE members actually showed up to vote.
WHY people say they DON’T vote:
* Vote doesn’t count
* Too busy
* Apathy
* Don’t like the candidates
* Imperfect information; don’t know enough
* Rebellions
WHY people SHOULD vote:
* We DO make a difference
* The right to vote is the most important right granted to a U.S. Citizen, as it is preservative of all other rights
* People fought & died for those rights
* Our enemies are scary
* The outcome will have significant implications
* We get to support candidates (and platforms) of those who have supported issues of importance to us
NYSUT sends along this important reminder:
* By MAIL REGISTRATION postmarked no later than October 14th and received by a Board of Elections no later than October 19th to be eligible to vote in the General Election.
* In-person Registration deadline - Oct. 19, 2016
* Notice of "Change of Address" deadline - August 24, 2016
Please take a moment to remind your Retiree Council 43 & TRIF Friends and Family members of these deadlines to make certain all Retirees CAN and DO VOTE this November. PLEASE....Take the PLEDGE TO VOTE! Visit: pledge.nysut.org
RC 43 President Deb Peterson and HFA Delegate David Dougherty Took the PLEDGE TO VOTE at the 44th NYSUT Representative Assembly