It’s less than one month until Election Day! Before you head to the polls on Tuesday, November 6, remember to keep animal welfare issues front of mind. If humane candidates are not elected to office, we cannot pass humane laws—and the stakes are as high as ever this year.
Although this isn’t a Presidential election year, that doesn’t mean you should stay home. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs, along with 35 of the 100 Senate seats. Plus, many of you will have the opportunity to vote for governors, state legislators, mayors, city council members and your other local officials, all of whom regularly make decisions affecting animals.
Two states where voters are uniquely positioned to directly impact the lives of animals are California and Florida, where important animal protection measures are on the ballot:
- Animal advocates in California should vote Yes on Proposition 12 to ban the cruel confinement of mother pigs, egg-laying hens and veal calves in the state, as well as prevent the sale of products from animals raised elsewhere using these cruel methods.
- In Florida, voters should be sure to vote Yes on Amendment 13, which will phase out commercial Greyhound racing to ensure that thousands of dogs will no longer be forced to run for their lives and can be adopted into loving homes.
As a voter, here are three important steps you should take right now to make sure your vote is heard:
1. Research your candidates’ positions and voting records on the issues that matter to you. If you can’t find this information from their websites or by searching for a voter scorecard on animal welfare issues in your state, ask the candidates directly! You can find campaign email addresses on their websites, ask your questions on social media, or you could even pose a question at a campaign event like a Town Hall before the big day.
2. Make sure you are registered to vote. For more information and to find your state’s registration deadline, use the handy map on this page to contact your state election office.
3. Make your plan to vote. Contact your county’s election office to find out where and when polls open and close in your community on Election Day. Some states require no identification to vote, while others require a driver’s license or official ID, so be prepared to bring the right documents with you. Also, consider how you will get to the polls to vote on November 6. Plan ahead to make sure you have a ride or arrange a carpool with a friend or neighbor.
Then, be sure to get out and vote on Election Day—and encourage your friends and family to do the same! There are many issues facing animals in this country, and your vote can make a difference this election.
Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade for timely updates on animal-related bills in your state and in Congress.
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