Introducing It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard

Today, the AAUW Action Fund is excited to announce the launch of It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard, a nonpartisan campaign to educate and mobilize young women for the 2012 elections.

You can be a part of the big launch by spreading the word about our campaign to your friends, family, followers, and fellow potential voters! Here’s how:

1. Pick one of the quotes below from AAUW state presidents who are leading the way in 15 key states that have competitive statewide races. Maybe you’ll pick one from your home state or just choose your favorite. Now share it! Post it on Facebook, Tumblr, or Twitter — use the hashtag #MyVote — and encourage your friends to check out our campaign.
2. Follow @ItsMyVote on Twitter.
3. Check out the My Vote campaign website, and share the link with your social networks.
4. Share your own thoughts on why you’ll be voting in this election in the comments below or on Twitter (#MyVote).

Here’s what 15 AAUW state presidents have to say about the campaign:

California

“We’ve come such a long way, yet many of the rights and privileges that we’ve struggled long and hard to win are at risk in this year’s general election,” said Judith Pfeil, AAUW of California president. “We’re working to educate women about the rights and privileges that are at stake in the upcoming election: equal pay, equal opportunity, college affordability, access to birth control, Social Security, the list goes on, and we’re committed to getting women to the polls in record numbers and turning up the volume of women’s voices.”

Florida

“We’re going to use our leverage to educate voters and get young women involved,” said Carol Napper, AAUW of Florida president. “We want everyone to be aware of the issues that particularly impact families and to come to the polls to make sure candidates know these issues matter.”

Illinois

“The decisions our elected officials make now will shape the future Illinois these young women inherit,” said Lois Strom, AAUW of Illinois president. “As our state continues to face an uphill budget battle, I think it’s crucial that young women learn about the issues and get involved with the election. That’s what our campaign aims to do.”

Massachusetts

“With so many outside groups trying to sway voters with attack ads, we hope to add a breath of fresh air with a simple message to young women: Go vote,” said Liz Fragola, AAUW of Massachusetts president. “Ignore the negativity, educate yourself on the issues, and get to the polls in November. That’s what our campaign is all about.”

Michigan

“I have heard from some young people that they don’t think that their one vote is important,” said Sally Doty, AAUW of Michigan president. “That’s far from the truth. It is so very important for voters to remember that the people we elect are making decisions that affect our families both now and in the future.”

Mississippi

“Voting is a right. Voting is a responsibility. Voting is our voice,” said Bess C. Blackwell, AAUW of Mississippi president. “Therefore, we must exercise our right to vote, be responsible and vote, voice our vote through the election of a candidate for a specific office, and by voting in each and every election.”

Missouri

“We’re very excited to mobilize young women voters this election, and we’re doing everything we can to get people involved and into the habit of voting,” said Julia Triplett, AAUW of Missouri president. “This is a unique opportunity to reach out to Missouri voters with the important message that each vote is valuable and powerful.”

Montana

“Young women are already engaged with many of today’s issues, from the Keystone XL pipeline to campus sexual assault,” said Diane Ehernberger, AAUW of Montana president. “We’re hoping to turn that issue engagement into a lifelong voting habit.”

Nebraska

“We encourage women voters to get involved in the political process because our everyday lives are affected by local and national laws and regulations,” said Marilyn Bombac, AAUW of Nebraska president. “AAUW members in Nebraska are raising our voices to establish a tipping point at which our voices are transformed into votes that make a positive difference in Nebraska governance.”

Nevada

“It is critical to get women to vote in the 2012 election so we in Nevada can elect a senator who will fight for women and families,” said Joyce Destefanis, AAUW of Nevada president. “Education, child care, and health care are sorely in need of advocates. Nevada ranks low in all these areas, and young women know it. Now it’s time to show it by voting.”

North Dakota

“AAUW of North Dakota has a great track record for engaging voters on the issues,” said Julie Garrett, AAUW of North Dakota president. “It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard is all about talking to young women and getting them to the polls. This is a group that can pack a serious punch on Election Day, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure the impact is heard and felt in North Dakota.”

Pennsylvania

“AAUW members in Pennsylvania are encouraging all voters to understand issues that impact their lives and their families — from campus safety and ‘fracking’ to equal pay and election accessibility,” said Margaret McGrath, AAUW of Pennsylvania president. “Once voters understand both the issues and the power of their vote, they’ll want to help shape the future by showing up at the polls.”

Virginia

“It was at the Lorton Workhouse in Virginia in 1917 that the suffragists were imprisoned and force-fed simply for asking for women’s right to vote, something so important to them that they willingly endured physical abuse,” said Caroline Pickens, AAUW of Virginia president. “As precious and hard-won as it is, many younger women today aren’t exercising their right to vote. At every level of government, women’s voices and opinions are needed. Our vote is critical, and it honors those brave women from 95 years ago.”

West Virginia

“Women need to hear the truth about the issues that are going to matter today and tomorrow, yet every election season West Virginia is flooded with misinformation,” said Sharon Clagett, AAUW of West Virginia president. “There’s a great need for a campaign that takes a ‘just the facts, ma’am’ approach.”

Wisconsin

“It’s crucial that young women get into the habit of voting and raise their voices on the issues they care about,” said Anne Lee, AAUW of Wisconsin president. “Our leaders need to know that quality education, reproductive health access, and government-backed postsecondary school loans matter to the women of Wisconsin. AAUW is doing all we can to make sure young women and their opinions are valued and heard in the upcoming election.”