WHEREAS:

Voter participation in elections is the life blood of a democratic society; and

WHEREAS:

The United States ranks last among modern nations in voter participation; and

WHEREAS:

The United States is the only modern nation that (a) requires advance registration up to 30 days before elections; (b) puts the burden of registration on the individual citizen; and (c) purges voters from the rolls for reasons other than death, moving, or commission of a felony; and

WHEREAS:

The State of Minnesota has voter registration at a level equal to other modern countries because the state permits and actively promotes registration at the polling places on Election Day.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 28th International Convention urges all AFSCME affiliates to work in their individual states to pursue the passage of legislation patterned on the voter registration laws of Minnesota.

SUBMITTED BY:

Tom Hennessy, Delegate
AFSCME Local 722, Council 14
St. Paul, Minnesota