June 14th VOTER-OWNED ELECTION lobby day

Written by: Danielle Landriscina on Jun 9, 2006 10:46 PM EDT

SAVE THE DATE! VOTER-OWNED ELECTION LOBBY DAY IS JUNE 14TH

WHAT: The NC Voters for Clean Elections Coalition Lobby Day. Make your voice heard as we urge the General Assembly to level the playing field in our elections and restore citizens' faith in our democracy by passing a public-financing pilot program for legislative elections.

WHY: The influence of big money in politics makes it difficult to solve so many of today's most pressing problems - from cleaning up our environment, to building a stronger economy, to improving our education system and making our tax system more fair. Recent scandals in Raleigh and Washington, while reinforcing the public's most pessimistic concerns about our political system, have given us a window of opportunity for real and meaningful democratic reform.

For the first time in years, there's a chance that a public-financing pilot program for legislative elections (H-1851) could actually pass in the North Carolina legislature. This bill would offer candidates in four legislative races the option of using "clean" public funds IF they refuse special-interest donations and demonstrate strong support from registered voters in their district. It would be an important next step in making our elected officials less influenced by special interests and more accountable to average North Carolinians.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14th, 9 am-2 pm (Come for as long as you can!)

Schedule of events:
9am - Breakfast (provided)
9:30am - Hear from legislators, organizers, and policy strategists who are working on campaign reform
10:30am - Start meeting with your legislators
12pm - Lunch (provided)
1pm - Press conference and more meetings with legislators

WHERE: Briefing and meals at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences; Lobbying at NC General Assembly in Raleigh

TO PARTICIPATE PLAN TO JOIN US. If you'd like a lunch or need help setting up appointments please email ncvce.coalition@gmail.com and tell us your name and contact information. If you have any other questions please call Chase Foster at (919)260-1872.

IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT ON THE 14TH: Plan to participate virtually! Writing a letter to the editor about the need for voter-owned elections (see newspaper contact list), or calling or emailing your legislators (switchboard number: 919-933-4111) can also go a long way in encouraging legislators to take this next important step for our democracy.

DIRECTIONS:
>From Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, and Charlotte: Go East on I-40 toward Raleigh, take the Wade Ave. Exit; Take Wade Ave. to Capital Boulevard (toward downtown); Take Capitol Boulevard South toward downtown Raleigh; Capitol Boulevard South becomes Dawson St.; Turn Left onto Jones St.; The General Assembly will be on the left and our meeting spot at the museum will be on the right.

Go to www.naturalsciences.org/visinfo/... for further directions and a map.

PARKING:
An aboveground state visitors parking lot is now open across from the NC Museum of History: entrances are on Jones and Edenton streets ($.50/hr, max. $4/day). There is also free parking around Moore's Square.
--
Chase Foster
NCVCE Coalition Coordinator
(919)260-1872
ncvce.coalition@gmail.com
www.ncvce.org

Tags:
Location: Asheville, NC 28801