On Election Day, Vote the Full Ticket
As voters, it is our responsibility to consider the entire ballot on Election Day
Secretary-Treasurer Reyes
Like most Americans, there was a time in my life when I focused only on the Presidential race. On Election Day, I went to my polling place, got my ballot and proudly cast my vote for champions of working families, including Bill Clinton and Al Gore. As my eyes moved down the ballot, I scrambled to recall bits of information about other candidates vying for city council or the state assembly. I read the text of ballot initiatives again and again, trying to figure out the right way to vote with often-confusing language.
The Importance of Local and State Races
Then, I joined AFSCME. I became involved in AFSCME’s political action efforts, and my eyes were quickly opened to the importance of local and state races. Just look at what the mayor in my hometown of San Diego has done to hurt working families.
Mayor Jerry Sanders continues to balance the budget on the backs of working families, subjecting public workers to a five-year pay freeze. He pushed a ballot measure that ends pensions and forces new workers into a 401k plan. He championed the privatization of public services like street sweeping and road and sidewalk maintenance.
This year, Sanders has hit his term limit. We’ve got the opportunity to make sure his successor will stand with working families, a man like Congressman Bob Filner (CA-51) whose opponent is even worse than Sanders.
Twenty years ago, I might not have paid much attention to the San Diego mayoral race, but this year, you can bet I’m paying attention. My children, my community and my union sisters and brothers need me to pay attention.
We have that same opportunity across the country on Election Day. In Michigan, there is one ballot initiative to repeal the heinous Local Dictator Law and another to enshrine the right to collectively bargain in the state’s constitution. In Wisconsin, 16 of the 33 state Senate seats are up for re-election. In California, Proposition 32 threatens to limit the voice of union members in the political arena, while bolstering the voice of corporations. In Ohio, a measure is on the ballot to put redistricting in the hands of voters, not politicians.
Our Responsibility
As voters, it is our responsibility to consider the entire ballot on Election Day. There is still time to educate ourselves, our family members, our friends and our neighbors on the important races and ballot initiatives in our cities and states. If you’re in a state that permits early voting, take advantage of it. Early voting gives you all the time you need to make informed decisions, without feeling rushed by the long lines behind you at your polling place.
Cast a vote in every race on the ballot you get on (or before) Nov. 6. It’s the only way we will truly make a difference for working families.
