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Issue #251
October 28, 2008

Election 2008: Educated Voters

Election Day is a week away. Many are saying they can't wait for the election to be over, most notably to be free of campaign ads. Campaign ads are designed to "educate" (sway) voters by presenting information in a way most favorable to the candidate or sponsoring organization. Ads are biased. Ads are partisan. And - sadly - ads aren't entirely accurate.

As we move voters to the polls on November 4 (or to cast their absentee ballots), we want to ensure that they have objective, unbiased, accurate resources to inform their decision making process. Fortunately, we have the League of Women Voters' Voter Guides to share.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan publishes a Statewide Voter Guide and local League chapters publish a wide range of local guides (in print and electronic form, depending on the locality). These guides are designed in an easy to read, easy to follow format and we encourage you to promote their availability far and wide.

And while you're out there educating, please be aware that there are a few common myths that may keep eligible voters away from the polls. We encourage you to be aware of the myths and the TRUTHS as you communicate with potentially marginalized voters. The ACLU has a great resource on Voting Rights that may help.

Another way to combat election myths and help ensure that potentially marginalized voters have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote is to train to become a poll monitor. The Michigan Election Coalition has scheduled a number of Poll Monitor Trainings (in-person and via webinar) between now and next week's election - download this flier for the full list of training times and locations.

We wish you much success in this coming week - it is a critical time for our country, a critical time for Michigan, and a critical time for nonprofits to exercise their power in mobilizing voters. Let us know if you need any help!

The Michigan Participation Project (MPP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative dedicated to expanding the role of Michigan's 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in voting and elections. We provide training, materials and other resources designed to help nonprofits integrate voter registration, voter education and voter mobilization work into their ongoing activities.  Visit www.michparticipationproject.org today!