Don't Forget to Vote! Make Your Voice Heard!
Did you know that there’s an election currently underway in Oregon? You should have already received your ballot!
School boards, education service districts, community-college districts, fire districts, water districts and some parks and recreation districts are all electing members right now. These smaller elections might not seem like much, but they’re hugely important. The people elected to these volunteer positions oversee large amounts of public money and will determine vital policies, such as reopening Oregon’s schools as we adapt to the new normal under the pandemic. Even if you don’t have children in public schools, the decisions made by school boards impact us all. The current ballot also has some financial questions that will affect property taxes. In short, your vote, even on these more obscure elections, really matters!
Ballots are due Tuesday, May 11, if sent by mail, or they can be deposited in a drop box until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18.
Voting isn’t the only way you can make your voice heard:
Have you ever considered running for office yourself? Maybe you’ve thought about running for a local election, but don’t know if you’re ready. Did you know that one of the benefits of AFSCME membership is the opportunity to apply for the Oregon Labor Candidate School? The OLCS offers a six-month training (one class per month for a total of six classes) that teaches all of the ins and outs of how to run for office, and they give union members the tools to run successful political campaigns. Applications are due at the beginning of August, with classes starting in October. Apply now!
Did you know that Local 328 has a political-action committee? Are you interested in politics at the local or state level? We would love to have your contributions in our committee! Contact politicalaction@local328.org for more information.