NATIONAL CHECK IF I CAN VOTE DAY

[norepubsin08]

I am posting this on DU at various times to get as big of a readership as possible.

In light of the fact last week that 300,000 folks in New Jersey who thought they were registered to vote but actually are not because they either have been purged from the voting rolls or have never been put on in the first place. In light of the fact that a Republican County Auditor in Michigan has stated that anybody who had their home put in foreclosure proceeding will be removed from the voting rolls and in light of the fact that we all remember what happened in Florida in 2000 and New Mexico and Ohio in 2004, I am proposing that every liberal/progressive blog, web site and organization along with all state and county Democratic Party chairs declare October 1, 2008 as NATIONAL CHECK IF I CAN VOTE DAY. By issuing this call there would be a commitment from these groups that they send out a text, email or phone message to all their supporters to remind them to check on the status of their voting registration on this day. To make it a fun event perhaps that evening if groups so desire, they could arrange potlucks with a showing of a film about the electoral cheating that has taken place in the past two presidential elections.

I feel that this would accomplish three goals: 1) the practical aspect of making sure our supporters find out that if there are any problems with their registration and being able to have enough time to correct any problems BEFORE it is too late. Most states have a 30 or 14 day preregistration requirement in order to be able to vote. 2) if enough groups/blogs etc do this then we achieve "critical mass" and perhaps the main stream media will take note. If that happens we could have spokes people point out that we have been forced to this action because of past voter manipulation by representatives of the Republican Party. 3) It would put Republican Secretary's of State, County Auditors, election officials and poll workers on notice that the progressive movement will be much more proactive in making sure their supporters are not denied the right to vote and thus more vigilant in securing the integrity of the electoral process.

I know this isn't much, but it could save us a few votes in swing states where it could be crucial. As they say: EVERY VOTE COUNTS! I am passionate about this because I feel it is a very deep justice issue that goes to the core of our democratic values as a nation. It won't take much time or effort on a groups part to send out this information and it wouldn't take but a few minutes for an individual to go on line and make sure he/she is able to vote, but it could make all the difference in the world. If you feel this proposal has merit, please by all means, run with it, SPREAD the word and tweak it as your own. Most of all write to all the groups/blogs you are a part of and advocate for it. In order to work, it has to be a MASSIVE one day project.

If you need more information please feel free to email me directly at: [e-mail]

Thank you for reading my lengthy post.

In Solidarity-Michael Collier The MICAH Project-Tacoma, Washington

[flamingdem]

1. Thanks! Ask your colleagues, friends, family, the stranger on the subway if they

remembered to REGISTER!

[liberalla]

2. I definitely agree!

Verify your registration, make sure all info is accurate, and request an absentee ballot if possible. Then, you'll be available on Election Day to help GOTV, or to volunteer, observe, etc. at the polling sites.

Everybody - keep kicking this!

[liberalla]

5. kick

[SeattleGirl]

3. I checked yesterday, and I am still on the voter rolls.

Also passed along the link to others.

[norepubsin08]

4. Thanks Seattle Girl

I'm from Tacoma and seriously involved in liberal politics, how about you? are you involved with any groups or organizations in the Puget Sound area?