Encourage your employees to vote
Sample Article One: Absentee Ballots
Election Day Is November 4, Right?
Not if You Are an Absentee Voter.
On Nov. 4, 2008, we will head to the polls to vote. We will head to schools, community centers and local firehouses to cast our vote. However, there are times when we simply cannot go to the polls to vote in person, whether it is due to illness, work or traveling. For those times, there is an option that makes voting easier than ever! States throughout the country have made it easier to register as an absentee voter in order to encourage voting in this and future elections.
Absentee voting is an easy and flexible way to vote and allows you to participate in the election when it is most convenient for you. Most states give you the option to vote as early as two weeks prior to November 4; however, in select states you can vote even earlier — starting in late September to early October and lasting through Election Day. Application processes and regulations differ from state to state, but in many states, you can actually register for an absentee ballot on a permanent basis so that you never have to go to the polls again! Applications are approximately one page and take less than five minutes to fill out.
For more information on your state’s absentee voting program and to register to vote, please visit www.nam.org/gotv.
Sample Article Two: Importance of Voting
Vote!
Too busy? Long hours at work? Don’t know the candidates or issues? Don’t know how to register? Don’t know where to vote? Traveling? Don’t have the time? Just don’t want to?
These are just some of the reasons why people don’t take the time to vote. As Election Day rolls around, ask yourself: Are you worried about job security? Then vote. Do you care about increasing jobs in America? Then vote. Do you or does someone in your family have a job that is part of the manufacturing sector? Then vote. Do you care about your community? Then vote!
Voting may seem like a time-consuming hassle, but it is your civic duty. It is an important and invaluable right that we, as Americans, have and should exercise. It is now easier and more convenient to vote. Many states and counties have extended voting periods and the ability to register for absentee ballots to ensure that you have plenty of time to vote. Here’s how you can register to vote and learn about issues in your state: www.nam.org/gotv.
This election season: Be Powerful, Be Responsible and Be Involved. Vote!
Sample Article Three: Early Voting
Casting Your Vote
Is No Longer Limited to Election Day
Think Nov. 4, 2008 is the only Election Day? Think again. Thanks to changes in state electoral laws, voters are no longer limited to voting only on Election Day. Starting this election season, 80 percent of states will allow their citizens the option to vote early — some as early as 45 days prior to Election Day.
In response to low voter turnout, states all over the country have adopted new electoral regulations in hope of encouraging more people to vote. Did you know that 60 percent of states now allow unconditional voting without any absentee requirements? This allows people to vote early and with no restrictions. Voters in states such as Florida, New Mexico and Colorado can vote as early as 14, 15 and 12 days, respectively, before the election. Washington, Iowa and Wisconsin voters have even longer — they can vote up to 20, 40 and 30 days, respectively, before the election.
In addition, one-fifth of states have diminished their voting regulations to allow early voting for those who expect to be occupied on Election Day. The states of Michigan and Illinois now allow voters who expect to be away to cast their vote 42 and 21 days prior to Election Day, respectively. While the federal law protects citizens’ right to vote, it also gives many employees time off to exercise their right to vote. In fact, voting takes legal precedence over work in more than half of the United States. Typically, time-off-to-vote laws require that employees who are registered voters be given time off from work — usually up to two or three hours — in which to visit the polls.
Throughout the country, absentee ballots are also becoming more popular and widespread; with many citizens choosing to vote by mail. Advocates believe that an advantage of voting by mail is in increased participation among voters. Furthermore, statistics have shown that voting by mail is more convenient for voters especially if you cannot make it to the polls to vote in person. Another advantage of voting by mail is creating a more informed voting public. For instance, if an individual has two weeks between when he or she receives an absentee ballot and when it must be returned, it allows a better opportunity for voters to study the issues, to clarify any points of confusion and get questions answered.
The impact is difficult to determine at this point in time, but it is anticipated that there will be greater voter turnout this year, especially among younger and less motivated voters. The timing and effectiveness of campaign outreach, especially regarding media efforts, mailings and events, will change significantly.
The 2008 election will be very interesting to watch with the widespread adoption of early and absentee voting programs. Stay tuned for an exciting and different election season this fall!
Sample Article Four: Primary Alert
Let's Put It To a Vote
Voting is one of the most important rights that we have as American citizens. If we want to make sure our elected leaders understand our concerns, we must exercise our civic responsibility and go to the polls.
That's why we at (insert name of company) are proud to be participating in the National Association of Manufacturers' Make the Difference ...Vote! Campaign. We believe that voting is essential to the democratic process and we encourage all of our employees to vote in the upcoming primary election on (insert date). Please visit our Web site at (insert company’s web site link) to register to vote and learn about the issues important to our company.
Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as U.S. citizens. It is also our best chance to say how we want to be governed. I urge you to do your part and vote in the upcoming primary.
Sample Article Five: General Election Alert
Make the Difference …VOTE!!
The general election is on Nov. 4, 2008, and it is more important than ever that we go to the polls and vote for candidates who understand the manufacturing agenda.
Voting is a way to elect public officials and to ensure that those officials will be responsible and accountable once they take office. Elected officials will be discussing and voting on issues of key importance to manufacturers. The people we elect will make decisions affecting our economy and our future prosperity. It is extremely important to encourage active voter participation; it is indeed a vital part of the legislative process.
We strongly encourage you to vote and make a difference on November 4. To locate your polling place and to learn more about the issues and candidates, please visit our Web site at (insert company’s web site link).
Sample Article Six: One Vote
The most often heard justification of why people choose not to vote in an election is “my vote will not make a difference.” There are those who believe that our government and politicians are corrupt and that elections do not even matter. They're wrong. This year's election does matter and it matters for each and every citizen.
If you are doubtful about whether your vote counts, think about the following: If you care economy; if you care about health care; if you care about education; if you care about the environment then you owe it to yourself and your country to vote. Don’t throw this special right away.
If you care about these issues -- if you feel that you and your family will be affected by one if not all of theses issues-- you know that this election matters.
We strongly urge you to vote and make a difference on November 4th. To learn more about candidates and issues and get additional information about voter registration, please visit our website at (INSERT COMPANY’S WEBSITE LINK).
Sample Article Seven: Importance of Voting
No matter who you are or where you live, the upcoming General Election will in some way affect you and the things that you believe in:
Your job.
Your taxes.
Your social security.
Your health care.
Your child’s education.
Your future.
Your vote is extremely important. The 2008 Election will determine how the government will make decisions on relevant issues such as theses that affect you and your community.
It is important that everyone has the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote, right? So why not register to vote for the upcoming election.
(Company Name) urges you to vote on November 4, 2008. Visit our website at [INSERT WEBSITE LINK] to learn more and obtain further information about voter registration
Additional Letters for GOTV Websites:
Sample Letter One: Election Information Available
Dear Employee/Member:
We have recently made election information [OR voter guides] available on our government affairs website to help you learn more about candidates and races during the primary and general elections this year.
Visit our website at [INSERT WEBSITE LINK] to learn more and get information about voter registration and early voting.
Sincerely,
Name
Title
Sample Letter Two: Primary/General Voter Registration
Dear Employee/Member:
Voting is a basic right and a fundamental expression of our freedom.
You have a chance to make your voice heard in this election. However, you can’t be heard if you do not register to vote. Are you, your family and friends registered to vote?
In [INSERT STATE], you must be registered to vote by [INSERT DEADLINE] to be able to vote in the primary/general election. Registering is simple and takes only a few moments. You can get all the information and download a registration form by visiting our government affairs Web site at [INSERT WEBSITE LINK].
Make sure your voice counts on Election Day!
Sincerely,
Name
Title
Sample Letter Three: Primary/General Early Voting Start
Dear Employee/Member:
If you can't go to the polls on [INSERT ELECTION DATE], you may be able to vote early in person. Early voting in [INSERT STATE] starts today and ends on [INSERT END DATE].
Visit our government affairs website [INSERT WEBSITE LINK] you can obtain more information about early voting in [INSERT STATE].
Sincerely,
Name
Title
Sample Letter Four: Primary/General Absentee Ballot Request
Dear Employee/Member:
The key to making every vote count is to make every vote easy, no matter what the circumstances.
If you won’t be able to go to the polls on [INSERT ELECTION DATE] and haven’t been able to vote early in person, now is the time to request an absentee ballot. In [INSERT STATE], requests for absentee ballots must be received by your county board of elections by no later [INSERT DEADLINE].
To request an absentee ballot, visit our government affairs Web site at [INSERT WEBSITE
LINK] for information and an absentee ballot request form.
Sincerely,
Name
Title
Sample Letter Five: Primary/General Election Reminder
Dear Employee:
Tomorrow is [the primary election in STATE OR Election Day]! If you haven’t already voted early in person or by mail, be sure to get to the polls tomorrow.
[FOR GENERAL ELECTION]
After you’ve voted, you can view real-time election results on our government affairs website at [INSERT WEBSITE LINK].
Sincerely,
Name
Title
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