Voting is addictive. One of the main predictors of future voting behavior is past voting behavior, which is why we work to engage young people to vote in past elections. Wait, I mean, we engage young adults in all elections. Even during our state legislative fights and the final preparations for PolitiCorps and the Washington Bus Summer Fellowship programs, we’re engaging thousands in city hall and school elections at the local level.
- Colorado. Denver’s election wrapped up round one yesterday (it’s still headed to a recount). New Era Colorado hosted what the Denver Post named the “Best Mayoral Forum…hands down” before talking one-on-one with thousands of voters to get ‘em out to the polls.
- Montana. Forward Montana registered over 500 voters and contacted over 7,500 to support the passage of 6 different measures to temporarily hike property taxes to pay for needed education services. One measure they supported passed by only 300 votes out of 22,000 cast. Our friends at the Montana Public Employees Association also found this proof that opponents of the measures could benefit from a little public education themselves.
- Oregon. Voters in Portland are looking at their mail ballots right now that will affect the makeup of local school and community college boards–as well as a giant education bond to provide repairs to Portland Public Schools. The Bus has been organizing in high schools–registering seniors to vote and signing up to volunteer to get out the vote. Wanna see democracy at its most adorable? Check out our photos of students GOTVing for a school election.
Washington doesn’t have spring elections (bummer). But they’ve rolled out the 2011 Vote Pledge (it’s looking hot) and their work in municipal elections will heat up as fall approaches. Keep your eyes peeled–and enjoy the nicer weather (blue sky in Portland today; it’s a miracle).
