CLEVELAND, November 2 — The following is a statement from BLET National President Don M. Hahs:
Today, Americans have an historic opportunity to direct this nation’s future. The elections being contested will determine the path that our country takes, and based on our choices, we can either go down the right path or the wrong one.
The other day, I came across a list of the top 10 reasons to vote. They included: jobs; overtime pay; trade; health care; retirement security; Iraq; homeland security; education; workers’ freedom to form unions; and leadership.
On November 2, we all have an opportunity to vote for change. And, if you feel that your vote might be at risk, there are some simple steps you can take on Election Day to protect your right to vote:
1. Call the local elections office to verify the location of your polling place. Locations may have changed, and a vote cast at the wrong place might not get counted.
2. Bring identification to the polls in case it is needed, preferably government-issued ID or a utility bill, phone bill or paycheck with your name and current street address.
3. Ask for help from poll workers and check posted information signs if you have questions or need assistance.
4. Make sure you cast a vote. If you arrive late in the day and are in line when the polls close, you should stay in line because you are entitled to vote.
5. If you are offered a provisional ballot because of a question about your eligibility, ask if you can cast a regular ballot by providing additional ID or by going to another polling place. If no alternative is available or practical, cast a provisional ballot.
6. If you have a voting rights problem, ask to speak with the chief election official or a voting rights volunteer at the polls or call the toll-free nationwide Election Protection Hotline, 1-866-OUR-VOTE, a project of a coalition of groups, including the AFL-CIO, promoting voting rights.
We need to elect leaders that will not fail America’s workers. We need leaders that will stand up for the rights of workers and that will turn their backs on corporate special interests. We need leaders who change directions when they are driving America down the wrong path. We need leaders — not corporate stoolies.
After the last Presidential election, former NBC President Andrew Lack said something that resonated with me at a Congressional hearing on the networks’ election night miscalls. He said: “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.”
Don’t let this happen again. Please get out and vote.