NAACP CIVIC ENGAGEMENT GOAL
The NAACP Civic Engagement Department has developed a 2008 Voter Empowerment Program (VEP '08) a nonpartisan campaign designed to empower African American and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process. The VEP '08 Goal is to increase African American voter turnout by 5% more than the 2004 turnout.
KEY DISPARITIES THAT INFORM THE 2008 VOTER EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (VEP '08)
In 2004, 67.9% of whites were registered compared to 64.4% of blacks
In 2004, 60.3% of whites voted compared to 56.3% of blacks
In 2000 and 2004, the percentage of uncounted votes was higher in minority neighborhoods with high poverty
VEP '08 MOBILIZATION STRATEGY
The VEP '08 plan concentrates efforts providing support in the following areas: Technical Assistance and Training; Capacity-Building; Database Management; Research and Strategic Planning; and Public Messaging. Overall, the VEP '08 plan includes 5 components:
Voter Registration
Voter Education
Election Administration
Election Protection
Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV)
CURRENT INITIATIVES AND CAMPAIGNS
"ARRIVE WITH 5"
The NAACP's "Arrive with 5" campaign is a national voter empowerment initiative aimed at increasing voter registration and participation in the November 4th elections. Over the past two election cycles, we have fought a valiant battle to register African American voters and ensure that each ballot cast is counted but our work is far from over. During these same election cycles we witnessed a surge in African American voter turnout, but we also realized the magnitude of voter suppression strategies that continues to hinder our vote. In 2008, our goal is to increase the overall African American voter turnout by 5% more than the 2002 African American turnout. As elections fast approach, now is the time to prepare. Working in partnership with People for the American Way, the NAACP asks participants to identify five (5) friends or family members who are committed to helping register others to vote and to "Arrive with 5" to the polls on Election Day. Value your Vote by doing more than simply casting a ballot. Help someone else register to vote and cast their ballots as well. Together we can Value our Vote and Vote our Values!
NAACP PUBLICATIONS IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
NAACP Voter Empowerment Guide
NAACP Candidate Checklist
NAACP Election Issues Pocket Guide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Q: Why Vote?
A: Voting is a fundamental right and a tool to express your opinion about how the government should function and who should be its leaders. By voting, you are exercising your right to be a part of the decision-making process that determines who will represent you, your family, and your neighbors at the local, state, and federal levels.
Q: Who can vote?
A: To be eligible to vote, you must be at least 18 year of age; you must be a U.S. citizen; and you must be registered to vote.
Q: How can I help others register to vote?
A: One of the best ways to help others register to vote is to volunteer in a voter registration drive. Contact your local NAACP branch to get involved!
Q: When is Election Day?
A: Election Day is November 4, 2008. Please note, however, that states host primary elections in the months leading up to November 4th. To find out when your state will be hosting a primary election, please see
Political resources calendar CIVIC ENGAGEMENT STAFF
Greg Moore , Civic Engagement
http://www.naacp.org/programs/civic/index.htm
ROCK the VOTE! Register 2 Vote! It's not, to early to register for Nov. election.
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