Use Your Voice this Presidential Election

Written by: Katie Carter, Director of Research, Education & Public Policy for National Safe Place Network

Photo credit: https://mfgtodayblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/vote.jpg

This week I was tuning into the latest season of “The Voice” right before the Vice Presidential Debates started. For those of you not up on current, televised singing competitions, “The Voice” is in the vein of “American Idol” – singers compete for the winning title and a record deal. The public votes.

The public votes.

It only just occurred to me the parallels between “The Voice” and elections. This is a big election year (some might say HUGE). Two new candidates, no incumbents, and a possible party-change in the United States Senate rest on the outcome of Tuesday, November 8.

You can read a good list here about reasons to vote: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/reasons-to-vote-in-elections_us_56c776e2e4b041136f16e9ad

It’s not just the presidential race to consider. There are down-ballot races too (for state representatives, state senators, judges…) where you vote may matter even more.

The first step to voting is to make sure you are registered. If you work with transition-aged young people, you can help them educate themselves and register to vote too. Many states have voter registration deadlines in mid-October. Some as early as this Saturday, October 8 and some as late as early November. You can check your state laws here: http://www.rockthevote.com/get-informed/elections/important-election-dates-deadlines/by-state.html.

Whatever your party, whatever your vote choice, this is an opportunity to use your voice and vote.

The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives

Statement from Laurie Jackson, President/CEO of National Safe Place Network, on the introduction of the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act

“On behalf of National Safe Place Network members, licensed Safe Place agencies and runaway and homeless youth grantees, we are pleased this bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressmen John Yarmuth and Dave Reichert are working to advance needed updates to the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. These updates will provide more flexibility and resources for agencies serving runaway and homeless youth across the country.

We applaud the efforts of the Congressmen and the National Network for Youth and their partners for leading this reauthorization effort and championing the needs of runaway, homeless and vulnerable youth.”

National Network for Youth Press Release: Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize RHYA Introduced in the House – April 15, 2015: https://www.nn4youth.org/press-releases/2015/04/15/rhytpahouseintroduction2015/