by Patricia Daniel
Now is the time for those who want to stop warfare and find peaceful solutions to conflict to demonstrate their commitment by voting on November 6th.
First, are you registered to vote? If you’re not sure, check with your city or town hall. This is especially important for people who may have been subjected to various voter purges and suppression techniques. Be sure to register before your state’s deadline!
The League of Women Voters’ VOTE411.org makes it easy to register online. Do it today and encourage others to do so. The VOTE411.org site also provides information about early voting, eligibility and identification requirements, and polling place details. Check out this information for your region and make a plan to vote.
Second, do you know where your candidates stand on the following issues:
- U.S. support for wars in the Middle East
- Gun violence and gun control
- Domestic violence
- Rape and sexual assault prevention and law enforcement
- The arms race—both nuclear and conventional
- Environmental issues, the future of the planet
- Human rights
- An open internet
- …… (what else? Please send your suggestions.)
To research (and support or challenge) your candidates’ positions, attend an event where you can question them or call their campaign offices. Even if you don’t get the answers you want to hear, it’s good for the candidates to know that people are asking these questions.
A great deal of information about candidates and issues can be found online. Check out candidates’ websites and voting records or do research using search engines or sites such as OnTheIssues, HeadCount, ISideWith, VoteSmart, or Campus Election Engagement Project.
Third, what about ballot propositions? Be prepared by finding out in advance whether you can vote for an issue related to peace and non-violence.
If you are someone who cares about peace and justice, please do your homework on the candidates and issues, then make a plan to vote on November 6th.
Note from Kathie MM: Please share your experiences with us as you take the steps to be ready to play your part to protect and preserve democracy.