Public Policy Blueprint 2019-2020 AAUW Summer Leadership Meeting 27 July 2019 Voter Registration and GOTV Legislative Agenda and Public Policy Priorities Survey
Voter Registration and GOTV • Next Virginia Election: 5 November 2019 General and Special Elections • Deadline to Register to Vote (or update an existing registration): 15 October 2019 • Absentee Vote: In person or by mail beginning about 28 September 2019. Special requirements must be met. Key ink for information: https://www.elections.virginia.gov
GOVT Goal • Making sure that every woman -- every person -- we can reach is registered to vote. • Making sure that the registered voter has all the information needed to cast an informed vote (including bringing a photo ID and where her voting precinct is located).
Getting Out the Vote • Key link for voter registration: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/registration drives/index.html • Online voter registration course required yearly if 25 or more persons are expected to be registered: • https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/registration-drives/training- video.html
The Do Nots of GOTV • The activities do not expressly advocate the election or defeat of any clearly identified partisan candidate or political party. • The preparation for and conduct of election-related activities are not coordinated with any candidate or political party. • It is illegal to have AAUW advocacy materials at the voter registration table. Emphasize that AAUW is non-partisan.
Legislative Action Plan • Goal: Focus on AAUW public priorities with emphasis on Pay Equity/Salary History legislation. This is a priority for the January 15, 2020, state lobby day when a trifold pamphlet will be distributed. • Continue to work with VA Ratify ERA on ERA legislation. • Support AAUW of VA Branch action on Human Trafficking education and legislation.
Legislative Agenda • Prepare voter guides, with assistance from AAUW National, for the upcoming elections (perhaps with LWV) as a useful educational tool for voters to base decisions on which candidates to vote for and a means to highlight AAUW’s public policy priorities for current and future legislators. • Reach out to the Virginia Department of Elections to ensure we are in compliance with state laws about collecting information about legislators’ or candidates’ stands on AAUW issues. I.e., the guide cannot include non-public domain sources (such as direct or private contacts with candidates or their staff). • Send congratulatory letters to all newly elected delegates and senators as an introduction to AAUW of Virginia and convey our strong support for pay equity/salary history bills and urge their support of equal pay legislation. Ask prior supporters of Pay Equity for continued support in 2020.
Sample Survey Question Pay Equity • No employer shall rely on the wage or salary history of a prospective employee in determining the compensation for such individual.* • Candidate X’s stand = Supports/Opposes/Unknown/Mixed * 2019 Senate Bill No. 1636
Legitimate Sources • Candidates’ speeches and public statements, stated positions, voting records and co-sponsorship of legislation. • Examples: • For returning senators and delegates (based on an analysis of 2019 voting record): • Delegate X sponsored HJR 579 (Equal Rights Amendment) • Delegate Y voted “yes” for HB 1732 (Human Trafficking and Violence) HP 1817 HB 1734 HB 2014 Note: entries were color-coded in the study to enable cross-comparisons with other legislators .
Decisions to Make • Issues to survey: Pay Equity, the ERA, Human Trafficking? Other? • Strategy: Team effort by a volunteer committee? Branch research on local candidates? Other? Please stay tuned. We will be in touch with AAUW of Virginia Branches for other ideas and how each may want to support this year’s Public Policy Priority objectives.
Save the Dates • AAUW of VA Federal Lobby Day: Thursday, September 26, 2019 (tentative) • Women Legislators’ Reception: January 14, 2020 (tentative) • AAUW of VA State Lobby Days: January 15, 2020 February 12, 2020 ( also, LWV’s Lobby Day)
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