natl call ladv 011515
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Lege training slideshowTRANSCRIPT
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Partnering with Your Legislators to Improve Election Integrity
• Preparation1
• Professionalism2
• Partnership3
Legislative Advocacy Education
‘Fraud-Friendly’ Election Laws & Procedures
• Same Day Registration
• No verification of citizenship at time of registration (or when issuing driver’s licenses)
• No verification of address at time of registration (or when issuing driver’s licenses)
• Failure to cross-reference state voter rolls with other states
• Not requiring photo voter identification at the polls and with absentee ballots
• “No excuse” voting by mail or universal voting by mail
• Unsolicited mailing of absentee ballots
• Laws that MAY be followed (optional) rather than SHALL be followed (mandatory)
Outline Possible SolutionsOutline possible solutions or revisions to current statutes
Get input from Local and State Elections officials
Check legislative records to see if similar changes have been proposed in past
Research similar legislation/statutes in other States
Make a list of voter fraud/election integrity issues
Cross-reference with current State Election statues and federal election law, where applicable.
Outline Possible SolutionsResearch and prepare written summaries of each targeted
legislative issue
Current Election code pertaining to the issue
Specific Voter Fraud/Election Integrity problem(s)
Proposed legislative solution(s) – be specific
Include specific examples, references, and sample legislative language from other States’ statutes or legislative advisors
Prioritize legislative issues based on potential impact and
likelihood of passage.
Based on your available resources, narrow your focus
to the issues you can effectively advocate.
Prepare a summary of legislative recommendations to
share with representatives at the beginning of the session.
State Legislature Websites
The Legislative Process
Your Representative
s
Information on Bills
State legislature’s websites house a goldmine of information. Find your state’s website at
www.truethevote.org, click on ‘In Your State’ then choose your state for access to various resources.
Use Your State Legislature’s Website
Meet Your Legislators
Action Notes/TipsFind a Directory of State Legislators
Make note of leadership of both chambers, Committee Chairs and members
Meet your State Senator, House/Assembly Member & Staff
A constituent always has the most influence with their legislators
Build & Maintain Relationships
Find like-minded legislators who may be willing to sponsor your proposed legislation and champion election integrity causes
What You Need to Know…
Schedule
• When does Legislature meet? • What are timetables and deadlines
for bills to be submitted, considered, and approved?
Committees
• Which have jurisdiction over elections laws?
• Who are Chairs/Members?
Leadership• Who sets the agenda?
Legislation• How does a bill become a law?
Identify & Recruit Bill Sponsors
Determine which legislators may be most supportive of your goals
Make appointments to meet with legislators • Get to know STAFF• Bring printed materials to leave behind• FOLLOW UP with all people you speak with
Offer legislators a PARTNERSHIP to achieve the goal of improving election integrity
• Be prepared to provide research• Support proposed legislation by testifying at
Committee hearings• Mobilize citizens to contact legislators to generate
awareness and media coverage
Testify at Committee Hearings
Committees are where bills live or die – many bills don’t make it out of committee.
Know hearing dates/times/locations, procedure for getting on witness list, time limits, # of handout copies
Prepare notes for your oral testimony
Be professional and concise
Anticipate the opposition
Follow up with committee members immediately following hearings
Take advantage of all opportunities to influence legislation…
Be a positive force for change Be a resource for legislators & staff Provide research Testify Offer evidence and new information Stay focused on your elections-related
legislative agenda Keep your organization informed & engaged
You Have Influence!
Type your question into the GoTo Webinar box.