Whether you’re looking left, right, in the middle, up, or down, the signs are clear—this is a big election year. There are significant things at stake as we prepare to elect candidates to offices at every level of government. The decisions that the successful elected officials will make every day will powerfully impact the lives of our nation’s companion animals, farmed animals, those in research and testing, and wildlife. This is an opportunity for us as a voting bloc dedicated to animal protection to make our voices heard. We must elect the humane-minded people that we need in office, to sponsor reforms and protections that will improve the lives of animals.
Today is the United States’ National Voter Registration Day. We’re joining hundreds of other organizations to encourage you to review and update your registration. If you have moved recently, haven’t voted in a while, have changed your name, or are just turning 18, you may not be ready to vote. The good news is that you can fix this today, to ensure that you can cast your vote in the upcoming elections.
And please remember. There aren’t just big fights for animals in our future—they are happening right now. We need more engaged voters as part of the broad coalition standing with us against enactment of the dangerous EATS Act or anything like it, to protect the authority of states to enact their own reforms for farm animals. This fight has tremendous relevance for animal protection, food safety, and public health concerns. We need lawmakers who will vigorously oppose it. And for that, we need humane-minded voters to vote. That’s especially true in our work—animals can’t vote, so each of us must stand up for them.
In many states, you can request a mail-in ballot, which allows you to vote from your kitchen table. In the alternative, plan your trip in advance to cast your vote at the nearest ballot box. And in many communities, you can vote early, which allows you to skip the lines and vote on your own time.
And if a candidate comes knocking at your door, or greets you in a public space, we encourage you to let them know just how important animal protection is to you.
There is not an elected official at any level of government without the power to influence the course of animal protection. The individuals we elect to represent us can lead the fight to curb the worst cruelties at puppy mills; to defend the Endangered Species Act; to stop cruel trophy hunting; and to help animals used in research, testing and education, among other concerns.
It’s pretty simple—animals only win when humane candidates do. And there are powerful special interests that would always prefer to see our humane candidates lose, paving the way for greater profits through the mistreatment and suffering of animals. It’s important to understand that these interests rely on low voter turnout amongst those who care about the humane treatment of animals. That’s how they win. Now, more than ever, we need to elect compassionate lawmakers.
Celebrate your own important role today by updating your voter registration—and asking friends, family, and others to make sure they’re ready to vote, too. Take the time to evaluate candidates running for office, as well as any ballot measures of interest in your state. Together we must choose to embrace our role as voters and speak for those without a voice.