ANCA EASTERN REGION ENCOURAGING VOTER REGISTRATION FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION

DE FACTO
2008-07-16 17:34:00

With the 55th Presidential and 111th Congressional elections quickly
approaching this November, the Armenian National Committee of America,
Eastern Region (ANCA-ER), is working to promote voter registration
outreach, and online and in-person education to help strengthen
Armenian American voices on issues of concern to the community.

"Armenian Americans can play a powerful part in making their vote
count.

With regular participation in local and national elections, the
strength and voice behind the Armenian cause can only continue to
grow," commented Ani Hagopian, outreach coordinator for the Armenian
National Committee of America, Eastern Region.

Encompassing thirty-three states, the ANCA Eastern Region embodies a
significant number of Armenian Americans and draws attention towards
efforts being made to enhance the Armenian voice. Zori Eurdekian,
2008 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Intern, recently sent out ANCA congressional
questionnaires to hundreds of potential congressional candidates and
incumbents in hopes of establishing a strong database to demonstrate
how each candidate stands on issues important to the Armenian American
community. The ANCA questionnaire is a tool for activists that allow
each community to help determine ANCA endorsements and support for
particular races.

Drawing attention to Armenian Genocide recognition, foreign aid
to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, and the genocide in Darfur, the
questionnaire responses are shared with ANCA activists and will be
available through the ANCA website this coming fall.

Sources indicate the 2008 presidential and congressional elections
are said to be the election in which technology will play the biggest
role yet.

Knowing the importance of the Internet in this election, the ANCA
provided opportunities on its website for people to register to vote,
allow access to past meetings and events activists have had with
representatives and senators, and even review Congressional "Report
Cards" of their human rights and Armenian related activity over the
last two years.

"First time voters will be an imperative part of this election; we
want to make sure that they know they have the opportunity to learn
where candidates stand on important issues and be able to have the
ability to register to vote at their fingertips," Hagopian says.

In addition to Internet accessibility, the ANCA will also have tables
set up at the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) 75th Annual Senior
Olympics, which takes place in Detroit, Michigan from August 30 to
September 2, 2008.