ID Action Vote 2008 Campaign

ID Action implemented a new Caucus 2008 Project early in the election season to increase awareness of and participation in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses. While training was an important strategy to increase caucus participation by Iowans with disabilities the centerpiece of the project was a Caucus Guide developed to answer common questions about the Iowa Caucuses, the issues and the candidates. The project included grassroots efforts, targeted media relations and community outreach programs that resulted in increased awareness of and participation in Iowa’s Caucus.

To build on the momentum of the 2008 presidential caucuses and primaries, ID Action is sponsoring the Vote 2008 campaign offering a variety of activities and resources to engage individuals with disabilities in the political activities leading up to the November elections including:

Ø      Voter Captain Program – ID Action is seeking a total of 10 Iowans with disabilities from all areas of the state to coordinate regional voting-related activities. These 10 individuals will serve as Voter Captains for their regions from June through November. ID Action will provide training on managing get-out-the-vote efforts at a local level and successful applicants will be reimbursed for their time and effort. Please contact ID Action for additional information.

Ø      Free Voter Trainings – Beginning in July, ID Action’s Advocacy University will offer Voter Training in a community near you! New voting laws and equipment have made voting in Iowa more accessible than ever. These entertaining, interactive workshops will help Iowans of all abilities get more comfortable with voting, know their rights, and understand the importance of showing up on Election Day. If you are interested in hosting or attending a training, call today at 1-866-432-2846.

Ø      Vote 2008 Grants – ID Action is offering Vote 2008 grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to cover the costs of community get-out-the-vote efforts. Since ID Action is a nonpartisan political action program, the grants may be used for initiatives such as educational workshops, grassroots activities to register Iowans with disabilities to vote, coalition building activities, voter forums, etc. However, the grants may not be used for partisan purposes, such as advocating for a particular political party, candidate or issue. Use your imagination and be creative in your efforts to organize vote-related events! Grants are only available for a limited time, so submit your application early to increase your chances of receiving a grant.

Ø      More information – To learn more about the Vote 2008 Campaign activities, including the Vote 2008 grant application guidelines and registration information for voter trainings, visit http://www.idaction.org or call 1-866-432-2846.