Published by the Credit Union Association of New York

governmentalaffairs
Get out the vote!
By Michael Lanotte, SVP & General Counsel, Credit Union Association of New York
IT’S ELECTION TIME. I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT EVERY
time I go to vote, I feel like I’m taking the SATs all over again.
Only it’s worse because I’m using a pen instead of a pencil, so
if I go outside the circle, I can’t erase it. Trust me: I’ve tried. To
help alleviate my stress levels, I bring my eight-year-old daughter
along and tell her which circles to fill in. She’s a student and is
much more accustomed to filling in those little circles. Not to
mention, I’m providing her with valuable experience in our
democratic voting process! (Or at least that’s what I tell myself.)
All across New York State and the nation, voters are
preparing for the upcoming November 6 elections. As we
head into the heart of the campaign season, we will continue
to hear about economic recovery, high unemployment,
immigration reform and taxes. And although they’re not
likely to make the 6 o’clock news coverage, we all know that
there are important credit union issues on the table as well.
With so much at stake for credit unions in Washington
and in state capitals, it is critical that credit union professionals,
volunteers and members work to ensure that candidates who
understand the credit union difference are elected. One of the
most effective ways to let your voice be heard is to vote—and
votes truly count. More than 44 percent of all registered voters
belong to a credit union, and research shows that credit union
members vote in higher levels than the general public. These
statistics go a long way with lawmakers, which is why the
Credit Union Association of New York uses Project Zip Code
and other key tools to emphasize the power of the credit union
constituency. But that power depends on action. If credit union
members don’t vote, credit union members don’t count!
Voting is just one aspect of politics, however. Your credit
union can provide a valuable public service by encouraging
members to get involved in the political process. The following
efforts can make a significant difference:
• Register your staff and members to vote. You can refer
them to the New York State Board of Elections website at
www.elections.state.ny.us or to http://www.vote-ny.com/
english/index.php for voter registration information.
• Recruit volunteers for state and federal campaigns.
• Run articles in your credit union newsletter highlighting
voting information and candidates.
Voting is just one aspect
of politics, however.
• CUNA is once again offering artwork for Get Out the
Vote, available in the Elections Action Center at
http://www.cuna.org/pol_affairs/election/. Your credit
union can download free posters for branch distribution,
or include Get Out the Vote graphics in your newsletter
and on your website.
• Host an Election Day celebration at your credit union.
Tune any branch televisions to election day coverage,
and make voter information available. Dress down and
distribute “I’m a CU member and I voted” stickers.
• Run Project Zip Code, which enables credit unions,
the Association and CUNA to show state and federal
elected officials exactly how many credit union members
reside in their respective legislative districts. This
program is particularly helpful, as boundaries of postal
zip codes and legislative districts often do not coincide.
For assistance with project Zip Code, you can contact
Leona Haberstro, the Association’s advocacy specialist,
at (518) 437-8128 or leona.haberstro@cuany.org.
• Contribute to CUPAC (Credit Union Political Action
Committee), which supports the election and re-election
of pro-credit union candidates in New York State.
Visit www.cuany.org/Governmental Affairs/
CULAC/CUPAC for more information.
To save you time, we’ve compiled all these resources in
our Voter’s Resource Center at www.cuany.org/Voters
ResourceCenter. And remember: Your Association’s
governmental affairs team is always available to provide
assistance and resources. Let’s get out the vote! ■
Michael Lanotte can be contacted at michael.lanotte@cuany.org or
(800) 342-9835, ext. 8236. Follow @mikelanotte1.
10 SEPTEMBER 2012 Connection