Today is one of the most important days for folks who are interested in seeing change occur. It’s the last day that you’ll be able to register to vote in the upcoming November elections in Alabama. I wanted to take this opportunity to implore you to take the time today to register or to update your voter registration for this upcoming election if you have not already done so.
I’m sitting in a coffeehouse in Denver, CO, preparing to head up to Ft. Collins and Boulder just as the stretch run of our campaign season begins. I can feel the level of excitement that’s existing out here as Election Day approaches, though for many, the change to exercise that right to vote has already been experienced via mail-in ballots. The work that I’m out here doing in Colorado has kept me from digging in and finding out just what that means for the region, but there is an energy that’s palpable in The Mile High City and elsewhere in this country. For that reason, I do hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to vote on November 4, regardless of party affiliation. You cannot complain about the direction our country will take or the results of the election if you do not exercise that right. People must get out, speak up and make sure that their voice is heard. If you think that your vote doesn’t count, realize that it will send a message to our elected leaders, allowing them to hear loud and clear the wants and needs of their constituents without the need of a filter, no matter what it is.
We’ve purposely not done a great deal of coverage of the national campaign in part because we think that those of you that visit the site on a regular basis have an idea of how those national issues will affect our region. We will also, as is our policy, not endorse a candidate (though I’m sure if you talk to us individually, we’ll be happy to share who and why).
This is a chance to take part in the process, to have your voice heard, to not sit on the sidelines and let others decide for you (and yes, I do realize that we turn over our votes to the Electoral College after the 4th, but I think you get the idea).
Don’t forget to take the opportunity to remind your friends to vote as well, since I know you don’t necessarily want to hear from them either after this is over (if you haven’t already tired of hearing their views during the process). Events like Trick or Vote are necessary as registering only makes you eligible while taking the next step and acting upon that notion is extremely important.
I’ll be back in plenty of time to cast my ballot. I hope to see you sporting that “I Voted” sticker that day. BTW, how about sending in a photo on Election Day of you wearing that sticker (have some fun with it – and hopefully you’ve actually voted too). 5 random submissions will get a white Terminal T.
Exercise that right.
André Natta is the managing editor of The Terminal
Trick or Vote!
As we mentioned on our front page, we’ve provided space for Empower Alabama to explain just what Trick or Vote is all about – and how to get involved with it! – ACN
Trick or Vote is a nationwide nonpartisan get-out-the-vote effort taking place on Halloween in more than 20 cities. Across the nation, young folks (and the young at heart) will get all dressed up and knock for democracy instead of candy. After our civic duty’s been done, we’ll party down at the Ghouls and Goblins Gala and celebrate our civic spookiness.
Why Trick or Vote you may ask? Studies show that the most effective way to get young people to vote before an election is to knock on their doors and encourage them to vote. And what’s the one day when we’re all culturally ready for a knock on the door? Halloween! Just 5 days before the general Election.
So while you might be too old to trick or treat, you’re never too old to Trick or Vote!
To sign up, visit www.trickorvote.org.
Trick or Vote Birmingham will be held at the McWane Science Center, 200 19th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203.
The first canvass leaves at 4, the second at 5:30 for the after-work crowd. Bring your spook.
Party from 8-midnight with entertainment provided by Kids Got the Disco. Food provided and spirits, not the scary kind, will be available.
Trick or Vote Birmingham is organized by Empower Alabama, Catalyst for Birmingham, and Greater Birmingham Ministries.
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