democracy

As you probably know, Virginia has elections just around the corner! Did you know that early voting starts on FRIDAY (9/17)? There are many important races this year, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and the State House of Delegates.

Here are the important dates that you need to keep in mind as you get ready to vote:

We are excited to report that New Jersey voters overwhelmingly delivered an Election Day mandate for stronger water protections, cleaner air, and a livable climate future with the highest voter turnout in our state’s history.

Because “count every vote” isn’t just a slogan – it’s an acknowledgement that every single voter’s voice matters, and an affirmation that we will stand by our electoral process even – and especially – when it’s hard.

Last night the people of Virginia led the way and voted for clean water, climate action and the environment, and voted against the Trump Administration’s anti-science agenda.

Through the support of Clean Water voters like you, Clean Water candidates Dan Helmer, Hala Ayala and Wendy Gooditis won their elections to the House of Delegates. This is a huge win for the environment, our water and our communities!

Year after year, election after election, clean water voters make a difference in local, state and national elections by showing up at the polls and voting for candidates who are putting the priorities of our communities first and who are working to protect clean water and act on climate. We did that in 2018 with excellent results in the US House. We need to do that again in 2020.

Imagine growing up in a low-income immigrant of color neighborhood that has been subject to disinvestment and neglect. Imagine your neighborhood is also near neighborhoods with extensive wealth and resources and demographics that are nothing like yours. If you grow up in this type of neighborhood you may start thinking that you are not worth being invested in,  and that your circumstances say something about your value as a person.

Voters across Virginia today will be choosing a new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, along with all 100 seats in the House of Delegates.

I am a canvassing intern for the summer here at Clean Water Action in Rhode Island. In addition to knocking on doors, I got the opportunity to shadow State Director Johnathan Berard for one day to learn how the organization operates on the policy and lobbying side. It was incredibly informative and fun! 

Update: The Howard County Council voted and passed CB30 (the Citizens' Election Fund) on Monday, June 5th! County Executive Kittleman vetoed the bill, so the work continues to overturn the veto. We need you to email or call your councilmember one last time to thank them for voting for a new way to finance campaigns and ask them to overturn the veto!

What is CB30?

Clean Water Action works hard to keep people involved in the democratic process, even outside of election day. Contrary to popular belief, politicians are not working against the interest of the people. They just have a lot on their plates.