Preparing to Vote in November
August 2010
November 2, 2010
• This November is the 2010 mid-term elections.
• This means that there will be no presidential election for
another two years.
• However, all 435 members of the House of Representatives,
who have 2-year terms, and 37 senators, who have 6-year
terms, will be up for election.
• In addition, many state officials, including 39 governors and
state representatives in 46 state legislatures, will be on the
ballot.
Mid-Term Elections
• It doesn’t have to be a presidential election year in
order to be an important election.
• Assembling the legislative branch of the government
– in essence, what this election is doing – is just as
important as electing the president.
• Voting in any election is important, and
unfortunately, is done in surprisingly low numbers.
Even in 2008, a presidential election, only 63% of
registered voters cast their ballot – and this
represents a record high.
• Cast your vote in November, and tell your friends,
neighbors and colleagues to do the same.
Why It’s Important to Vote for Innovation
• The lawmakers we elect in November will represent
us in Washington in crafting policies that won’t just
affect us as citizens – they will directly impact our
jobs as biopharmaceutical company employees.
• They could also have a direct effect on the
innovative work that we do, from our ability to
discover and develop groundbreaking new
medicines or our ability to make them available to
the patients who need them.
• That’s why it’s important to consider how their
positions on issues might impact the way that they
view innovative companies in the U.S.
Be Prepared to Vote
• Never voted before? Register yourself! Most states have registration forms
available online, or at your local government office, the library, the post office,
or the DMV. But save enough time – this needs to be done in advance.
• Voted before? Make sure your registration card is handy and up to date.
• Make sure you know where your local polling place is; even if you’ve voted
before, the site may have moved.
• Going to be out of town? You may be able to vote early or via absentee
ballot, but sign up for it well in advance!
• Be prepared! Spend a lot of time throughout the fall getting to know your
candidates so you can be confident as you cast your vote.
• Register to vote, find your polling place, view candidate information, and learn
how to vote early or absentee at www.WeVoteForHealth.org.
Choosing Your Candidate
• Keep an open mind.
• Be an innovation voter. Think about the issues that are
most important to you personally and as a
biopharmaceutical employee. Decide how you feel about
these issues and keep them in mind as you look for a
candidate you shares your views.
• Explore a variety of media outlets to get the most
information possible.
• Attend a town hall meeting. Experience the candidates in
person and ask them questions that matter to you.
• Talk to your friends, neighbors and colleagues! They may
have perspectives or insight that will help inform your own.
• Detailed state-by-state information on registration and
more can be found on www.WeVoteForHealth.org.
We Work For Health Resources
How to Get Involved in a Political Campaign
• Consider joining a political party of your choice
• Get a list of issues your candidates support and oppose
• Consider volunteering for a political campaign
• Contact local campaign headquarters and ask for a
calendar of events and a list of volunteer opportunities
• Ask what volunteer positions are available – provide a
list of your strengths and skills
• Volunteers are always needed for a wide range of tasks
• Visit the party’s website for volunteer opportunities
online
• Talk to your family and friends! Be an unofficial
advocate for your candidate or party of choice.
Volunteering – An Overview
• Phone banking
• Envelope stuffing
• Canvassing
• Serving on a policy or platform committee
• Raising money or participating on a finance
committee
• Helping organize events
• Electioneering
VOTE!
• Voting is one of the most important things you can do as an American.
• Take advantage of this important right and make sure you vote in
November.
• If you can, vote for innovation and vote for health.