WHEREAS:

A declining percentage of Americans have been participating in the electoral process over the past several decades; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME believes that each and every citizen of the United States should have the opportunity to vote in every federal, state and local election held in his or her jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS:

Council 25 played a key role in the presidential primaries, using worksite outreach to generate more than 15,000 applications to vote by Internet and by mail, a total which equaled more than 21% of all those participating in the caucuses by these two methods; and

WHEREAS:

The list of members applying to vote by Internet and by mail was subsequently used for GOTV efforts and to increase PEOPLE fundraising.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports federal, state and local legislation making it easier for people to vote, including measures promoting election day registration, enhanced absentee and vote-by-mail programs, early voting and voting on a secure internet site; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals will ensure that our members are aware of and utilize these expanded voting opportunities in the critical elections of 2004 and beyond.

SUBMITTED BY:

Albert Garrett, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 25
Michigan