WANTED: 1.5 Million Unregistered Hoosier Voters

That's right, there are 1.5 million people eligible to vote in Indiana who aren't registered. In the 2004 United States General Election, 36 million women were not registered to vote and 8.3 million registered women did not vote. The Hoosier state also ranks 47th overall in voter turn-out for the 18-29 year old age, so why do we complain when things don’t go our way in the state?

So what?
In 2004, only 3 million votes nationwide decided the outcome of the US presidential race and in Indiana, a margin of less than 200 thousand votes elected our Governor. In 2006, an Indiana House of Representatives seat was won by only 8 votes. Not to mention that only 47% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 voted in 2004, compared to the 72% of Americans 55 and older. Now, we have nothing against Mom’s and Grandma’s opinions, but we need to make sure younger voices are heard too!

Your vote counts!
Federal, state and local elected officials determine the laws that control reproductive health, education, equitable pay, job opportunities and so much more. The 2008 elections will hit close to home, deciding concerns from the War in Iraq and US healthcare to local property taxes and access to birth control. On top of these issues, many state elected officials are up for re-election—it is these officials, not necessarily the U.S. president, who will cast the votes that have the potential to affect your daily life.

When you vote, you're voting not just for the candidates, you're voting to retain control over your own body and life. Don’t sit back and let legislators be elected who don’t reflect your values. Don’t let John Mayer tell you that 'Waiting on the world to change' is the way to go. Stop waiting, stop complaining and start voting!

What now?

1. Register to vote! Registration forms are available to be downloaded at the Indiana Secretary of State's website. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can check your status at the Indiana Statewide Voter Registration System—and download the registration form there, if you're not already registered. October 6, 2008: Voter Registration Closes for the 2008 General Election.
2. Mark it on your calendar! The 2008 General Election will take place on November 4, 2008. Find your polling location at Indiana Statewide Voter Registration System.
3. Find out more about the candidates! Candidate information for the November 4, 2008 General Election will be available closer to the election from the Indiana Secretary of State.
4. Find a WANTED HOOSIER! Ask your friends if they're registered vote. Get them a registration form and discuss the issues that are important to you! Make a deal to walk or carpool to the polls together. Help us register voters in your area.