To the Editor,
Voting is the cornerstone of a democracy, but, sadly, far too few people exercise that right and responsibility. Millions of Americans are denied the chance to vote because they missed their state’s voter registration deadline or did not have access to clear information about how to register and then Vote. The League of Women Voters is determined to change that.
Tuesday, September 17 is Constitution Day 2024 and also National Voter Registration Day (NVRD). The annual event continues to grow as League of Women Voters affiliates nationwide sign on to help register voters in advance of this year’s October 26 voter registration deadline. Please don’t wait until the last minute!
The Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties League of Women Voters chapter is encouraging the voter registration efforts locally through outreach to colleges and universities in our area - Alfred and St. Bonaventure Universities, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and Alfred State and Jamestown Community Colleges (Olean Campus).
As in the past, nearly twenty volunteers will visit the campuses on this annual day, in addition to several other days and displays on campuses, during the registration period to register students in person and provide civic awareness of the importance of exercising their right to vote. It is an exciting, positive and rewarding day for In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are n t a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” More information about registering and voting can be found at vote411.org or local county Boards of
elections - www.elections.ny.gov , including applying for Absentee or early Ballots to vote by ma l. Registering to vote is the first step in the voting process. Ask questions and find answers about the process, logistics, who is on the ballot and what they stand for to make an informed decision.
To quote American novelist Louis Dearborn L’Amour, “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”
Be ready and Vote - early from October 26-November 3, General election day on November 5, or by Absentee Ballot or by mail during early voting. Just do it!
Sincerely,
Margie McIntosh, President
League of Women Voters of
Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties
cattarauguslwv@gmail.com
