ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ACTIVISTS: COME OUT IN FORCE

Armenian Reporter
October 21, 2008
Armenia

Winning the presidency, a Senate seat, or a seat in the House of
Representatives is an expensive proposition. The 2004 elections cost
the candidates and their parties some $4 billion. Looking at the
sums involved, many Americans conclude that anything they may have
to offer is but a drop in the bucket, and they sit the campaigns out.

That’s a shame, because the election season offers us wonderful
opportunities to participate in the political process, to build
relationships, and to make a difference.

Volunteering In specific races our individual contributions can have an
important impact. And the collective contribution of Armenian-Americans
can have an even greater impact. By focusing on races where a candidate
relies on our help, or where we know we can make a difference, we
can be the most effective.

The collective impact of thousands upon thousands of Armenian-Americans
participating in election campaigns is felt by candidates. A lack of
participation would be equally palpable.

Donating money is part of it. Some of us can afford to donate the
maximum allowable by law. Others can afford $100 or less. Whatever
the amount, each act of donating adds to the credibility of
Armenian-American advocacy efforts.

Each of us has a role to play in our local races for senator and
representative, as well as the presidential election. There are
also a handful of candidates who have emerged as national leaders in
Armenian-American advocacy. We need to show them our financial support.

We can – and ought to – do more than that. Money can buy campaign ads
on television, but nothing beats the personal touch; nothing beats
people talking to their neighbors and their friends.

Every campaign is looking for volunteers.

It can be as simple as putting up a lawn sign. Or it can involve
long hours as a phone bank. A volunteer can host a tea at home for
friends to discuss the election. A volunteer can hand out flyers,
or go door to door on Election Day, making sure voters vote.

Building relationships Election season is also a good time to build
personal relationships with candidates for office and their close
associates. The candidates are out there, looking for the voters. Alone
or with some friends, we can attend a fund raiser, or schedule an
appointment with a candidate. We can let the candidate hear from us
personally the importance of Armenian issues.

Plan to get out and vote And in the end, voting is the most important
right to be exercised in this democracy. The states are making it
increasingly easy to register to vote, and to vote by absentee ballot.

If you’re not registered to vote, now is the time to register.

If you think you may be away on Election Day – November 4 – or may
have difficulty getting to the polls, or simply prefer not to go,
you can generally vote by absentee ballot.