REACH - Advocacy: VOTE! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

Advocacy: Strengthening Longview by Advocating for Local Business

VOTE! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

Our democracy, our republic, is based on a social contract creating a political order that benefits the individuals involved: our citizens. But this contract is legitimate only to the extent that they fulfill on their part of the agreement. Part of that agreement is to vote. Now is the time to choose the leaders in our city, our state and our country.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

– Ronald Reagan

“Life is never easy. There is work to be done and obligations to be met—obligations to truth, to justice, and to liberty.”

- John F. Kennedy

To fulfill on your part of the social contract of being a citizen of these United States, create a plan for voting in the fall election. It is your duty to take part in the process of selecting leadership; of following the rules to make that happen; of ensuring you are registered; that you have a plan to vote; and that you vote.

CREATE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE

Check your registration –

www.VoteTexas.gov

Check identification requirements –

www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/need-id.html

Check when you can vote and where –

RESOURCES:

Gregg County Elections Office –

www.GREGGcountyvotes.com

Smith County Elections Office –

www.SMITH-county.com/government/departments/elections/voter-registration

Harrison County Election Office –

www.HARRISONcountytexas.org/elections

First Time Voter Checklist –

www.vote411.org/first-time-voter-checklist

Make a plan to vote early and have a back-up plan if something impedes your progress that day.

Now is the time to Vote and Let Your Voice Be Heard!

“A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.”

– Edward R. Murrow

“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”

– Lyndon B. Johnson

WHY VOTE?

You have the right and you have a voice. Voting gives you a voice in government. The popular tendency to express oneself through social media does not change law or leadership; only your vote has that power. Women, underrepresented groups and young people fought hard for this right. Even today there are countries where people still fight for this right. • Do you want to have elected officials in office who represent your needs and concerns? VOTE. • Candidates make determinations for funding. VOTE for those who support causes important to you. • “The millennial generation (consisting of 80 million people and growing) is lazy!” Fight the stereotype – VOTE. • Our government is designed on citizen participation – if you do not VOTE, someone else will make these decisions for you. How independent is that? • Elected officials decide how to spend your hard-earned tax money. VOTE for those who you agree with their point of view. • Do you want to change education? VOTE for local and state school board members who set public education policy and budgets. • Do you need a good job? Think pay equity, fairness in hiring, and workplace safety. VOTE. • Crime prevention, laws and enforcement, safe and affordable housing, transportation, schools, parks and recreation and the Comprehensive Plan. VOTE for the betterment of your community.

TIME LINES

• Voter Registration is due October 5, 2020 in order to vote in the November election. • Early voting is October 19-30, 2020. • Election Day is November 3, 2020. Encourage your friends and neighbors to vote. Research the candidates to make an informed decision. Do not rely on social media to fill the knowledge void. Research the candidates and the issues and listen to both sides of an argument. Watch the debates, review candidate web sites, review voting guides, review state legislators website for those in office.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS GUIDE my.lwv.org/texas/voters-guide VOTE 411 www.vote411.org

COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS CAMPAIGN 2020 www.cfr.org/election2020

Become better informed in order to make an educated decision on your positions and how you choose to vote.

“The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.”

– John F. Kennedy

“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Vote Early – Take advantage of early voting. Life happens and last-minute issues can impede voting on the actual Election Day.

Election Day – be prepared for long lines and a long wait. Wear a mask, take hand sanitizer and a snack. Be patient and stay in line to vote.

Voting is important to your future. Understanding some of the history, accomplishments of the Longview Community and discuss the reasons why and how you can get involved will empower you to vote the future opportunities and challenges that we face. The and persuade others to engage in their civic rights. Ultimately, Your Vote Matters. Engage in the selection of leaders.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

- Martin Luther King, Jr