WHEREAS:
The percentage of voter turnout in the United States has decreased steadily since the 1960’s, making it harder to elect worker friendly candidates; and

WHEREAS:
The members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union elect their bosses and therefore must take an active role in the electoral process in order to protect their jobs, their healthcare, their pensions and the services they provide; and

WHEREAS:
The 21st Century Committee has recommended a goal of having 90 percent  of AFSCME members registered and voting on election day; and

WHEREAS:
Making voting easier and more accessible through absentee, permanent absentee and early voting will increase voter turnout overall, including among AFSCME members.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the International Union and affiliates work to ensure that state laws permit absentee, permanent absentee and early voting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 
That the International Union, in conjunction with the union’s leaders, staff, officers, stewards, and MAT leaders, will work to develop and implement a comprehensive absentee and early voting plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the International Union, along with its councils, locals, and retiree chapters, promote absentee and early voting by our members at all meetings and other union gatherings and events; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME support the requirements that electronic voting machines also provide for a verifiable paper ballot trail. 

SUBMITTED BY: Ken Allen, Delegate
AFSCME Local 350, Council 75
Stacy Chamberlain, Delegate
AFSCME Local 2746, Council 75
Oregon