It's Not Too Late to Join the Democratic "Get Out the Vote" Crusade

In past years, I've been a proponent of carefully deliberating about the best candidates, regardless of political party. Not this year.

In 2006, a vote for any Republican is a vote for the failed Bush Administration agenda... to "stay the course" in Iraq, to privatize Social Security, for more children without health insurance, for more cutbacks in education, to block embryonic stem cell research, for growing the crippling US budget and trade deficits, and for more dangerous alienation and isolation of the United States within the world community.

You don't really need a voters' guide this year (although below, I've linked to two). It's simple: VOTE DEMOCRATIC.

Help Get Out the Vote
There's still time to do your part to elect Democrats to office in 2006. The Democratic Party has 100 Action Ideas to help you Get Out the Vote among your friends, family and neighbors.

Or click here to volunteer for the Democratic Party as a local poll watcher, neighborhood canvasser, phone caller or perhaps to drive a few people without transportation to vote. Democrats have active GOTV groups in all 50 states this year.

And MoveOn.org is thrilled that, as of 5:11 PM last night, volunteers had mobilized to make a record-shattering 5 million phone calls to potential voters. And just since Friday morning, MoveOn.org volunteers had spoken to more than 450,000 voters--- a goal they'd hoped to reach by election night, not two days before.

It's not too late to join MoveOn.org's Get Out the Vote phone brigade. CLICK HERE to join the fun . It feels great to make a difference!

Guides for Jewish & Christian Voters
The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) has published excellent "Voter Guides in 43 races for House, Senate and Governor, covering 21 states.

These Voter Guides examine candidates' positions on key issues like Israel, stem cell research, reproductive freedom, and the separation of church and state," as well as the "War in Iraq, immigration, energy/environmental policies, and health care policies." Writes the NJDC:

"Jewish Americans increasingly believe the Administration’s ham-handed polices in the Middle East have led to a weaker America, a stronger Iran, and less security for the state of Israel.

Other issues matter to Jews as well... These other issues are why Jews will vote in landslide proportions for Democrats this fall."

The "Vote ALL Your Values" Guide I find most insightful for election 2006 is Voting God's Politics: An Issues Guide for Christians, published by Sojourners.. (I respect this Voter Guide so much that I've personally handed out dozens in recent weeks to friends and family.)

The following are some of the basic principles set forth by Sojourners that everyone should use when voting in the November 7, 2006 elections:

Peace and Restraint of Violence
* Bring peace to Iraq
* Eliminate nuclear weapons
* Support security and freedom in the Middle East
* Strengthen the United Nations and international law to fight terrorism

Consistent Ethic of Life
* Dramatically reduce abortion
* End capital punishment
* Stop genocide

Human Rights and Dignity
* End torture worldwide
* Establish humane immigration polities
* Promote religious freedom, fight HIV/AIDS and defend the rights of women

Good Stewardship of God's Creation
* Reverse global warming
* Prioritize clean air and water
* Develop clean and renewable energy

For the entirety of Sojourners' "Vote ALL Your Values" principles, READ HERE.

And remember: VOTE!

Related Reading
When You Vote, Remember the Iraq War & Its Veterans
Election Day Guide to Voting, by Robert Longley, About.com's Guide to US Govt Info
Voting Systems in Nov 2006, State-by-State, by Kathy Gill, About.com's Guide to US Politics
Civil Liberties Voters' Guide, by Tom Head, About.com's Guide to Civil Liberties
Foreign Policy & the Mid-Term Elections, by Keith Porter, About.com's Guide to Globalization