"I Don't Do Surveys"

It's a general rule in our house to avoid conversations about politics. Not that we don't have opinions about the upcoming elections. On the contrary, my husband and I have deep passions about the issues that we each perceive as paramount for Alaska's future, as well as who can best lead the way. However, our political views are typically at opposite ends of the spectrum. Even discussing the merits of Brinkley the Dog's leadership style have not been safe ground. Venturing into the murky waters (no pun intended) of political dialog usually leads to raised voices, rolling eyes, and questions about the other person's state of mind.

On those occasions the source of disagreement can be traced as much to candidate's choice of strategy as often as the issue itself. Last night I was forced to swallow my pride and side with my spouse about a particular strategy currently employed by a gubernatorial candidate. Even though I didn't recognize the number displayed by the caller ID, I answer the phone expecting some kind of solicitation. The pre-recorded voice invited me to participate in a 30-second survey regarding the upcoming elections. If my husband had answered the phone he would have immediately hung up. He doesn't believe in suveys and doesn't trust the numbers so careful spun by the survey's sponsors. I on the other hand, see it as a way to participate in some small way in the electorial process. The disembodied voice asked only one question: Was I planning to vote for the sponsoring candidate in Tuesday's election. When I responded negatively, the voice proceeded to tell me why the party's other candidates were less qualified and able to lead Alaska. I listened, waiting for a follow up question, but none appeared. Finally, I hung up after five minutes of the "survey" more convinced than ever that I would not vote for a candidate who chose to use deception as a means to convince voters.

The smugness in my husband's voice was more than I wanted to hear at that point. "See, that's why I don't do surveys," he stated with certainty. It was the second time in a week that I had heard that rationale for not responding to surveys. It makes you wonder just how much those surveys really mean and how wide spread that sentiment is.

Regardless, Tuesday will be the real test of both stands on issues and effectiveness of strategies. Vote, vote early, encourage your friends, family, neighbors, employers, employees, and total strangers to vote. Alaska's future depends on it.

Why Should I Care?

The following article was written by Steve Lesko for Hope Community Resources' newsletter. Responses are welcome.
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GOTV

No- this is not a new and potentially exciting cable television station about to grace the Alaskan airways sometime in the near future. GOTV is an acronym for a newly formed partnership among the Key Coalition of Alaska, the Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, the Alaska Mental Health Board, Access Alaska, AARP, People First, Partners in Policymaking and Bean’s Café. The ultimate goal of this coalition is simply stated, “To encourage constituents, employees and partners of the groups represented to actively participate in both the primary and general elections.”

GOTV stands for “Get Out The Vote.”

Without a doubt, this fall is an extremely important election. Alaskans will be electing a governor and new legislators. The results of this election will impact our lives, our families, and all those we care about for many years to come. The vote, the ballot can make a difference!

When we send Public Opinion Messages, E-mail or fax or even personally call our legislators and administration, there is often a tendency to analyze communications on specific issues. Our elected officials are interested in knowing who is registered to vote as they respond to such correspondence and establish priorities. They care if you are a registered voter- it does make a difference!

We at Hope, and similar agencies who support individuals and families who experience disabilities, need to be certain that all eligible men and women who choose our supports are registered voters and actually vote in the fall elections, if they so choose. Full inclusion, our ultimate dream, embraces self-advocacy and the power of political action.

If you or someone you know do not happen to be registered, it’s easy to do so! You can call your local Division of Elections office and request a Voter Registration Application (Anchorage 907-522-8683) or simply go to www.ltgov.state.ak.us/elections and click on Voter Registration Form for the application to fill out and return.

If you are registered, use your power to vote! To find out where to vote, call 1-800-383-8683. You will need to have your voter ID or Social Security number ready.

You will make a difference by voting! Let’s all “Get Out The Vote” this fall (GOTV) and help to shape the future of this state that we love.