Indiana: ‘Our Voices Need to Be Heard’
Voter registration for Indiana’s May 6th primary closes this coming Monday, April 7th. With the help of local organizers and grassroots supporters, we have already inspired thousands of voters across the state to get involved and register to vote.
From the Palladium-Item, Richmond, IN:
“This is one of the most important elections in a long time … This year, our voices need to be heard,” said Marissa Stevens, 20, of Richmond, a Ball State University student who registered from Muncie.
… Cherlyn Lambert, 29, of Centerville, has voted in the past, but not recently. She also registered Wednesday.
“I think it’s really important, especially with the state of the economy right now,” she said. “I’m voting because Indiana counts. This year, Indiana can make a difference. It’s a good thing.”
From the Journal and Courier, Lafayette, IN:
“[Barack is] reminding people that this is a great country. Many of us in this age group have grown up only seeing divisive politics. … He’s offering a vision of unity,” [said Laurent Wrzesinski, Purdue student and Obama supporter].
However, we can’t stop now.
If you live in Indiana, there are several ways that you personally can help to build our movement and participate in the registration drive this weekend. These next few days are our best opportunity to build our base of support before the primary — and bring more voices into the political process.
If you have not yet registered to vote, you can fill out and download registration forms online.
You can also help by volunteering to make calls or canvass. We will be going door-to-door this weekend, spreading the message of change and personally helping people register to vote. Canvassing shifts start at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Saturday and at noon and 2 p.m on Sunday. There are two dozen staging locations across the state, and you can find a location near your and sign up now.
For college and high school students, Saturday and Sunday are the final days to register fellow students as part of the “3-on-3 Challenge for Change.” By registering at least 20 students to vote, high school students will be eligible for a chance to play 3-on-3 basketball along with two friends against Barack Obama and former Indiana Hoosier star Calbert Cheaney.
College students who register 30 of their peers can also enter and earn the chance to play on Barack’s team. The deadline for entry is Sunday April 6th, and registration forms can be turned in at any local Obama campaign office. You can find more details on the “3-on-3 Challenge for Change”here.
Our efforts to motivate and register young voters have already had a significant impact on this election cycle. Again, from the Journal and Courier:
“We are doubling, even tripling” the number of young voters, said Chrissy Faessen, communications director for Rock the Vote. “There’s absolutely been a surge in young people.”
The weekend caps off at Indiana University’s Assembly Hall in Bloomington with “Change Rocks”, a concert and voter registration drive featuring Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. Tickets for the event are sold out, but you can check back here on the HQ blog for coverage of the event.
Dave Matthews first endorsed Barack Obama back in February, saying:
“I believe that corporate greed and its involvement in policy making, along with political cronyism have made it nearly impossible for the people to govern. So we fight amongst ourselves over the spin of political slogans and half truths… It is time for a change and that is why I support Barack Obama for President.”
The time to act is now. Please get involved this weekend so we can ensure that every voice is heard on May 6th.
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