Election 2012: A Single Vote Could Determine the Future of Dogs in Your Community
Election Day 2012 is November 6. The President, all 435 members of the US House of Representatives, 33 of the 100 US Senators, 11 state governors, and approximately 6,015 state legislators will be elected on this date. Thousands more will be elected to city, county and municipal offices. These elected officials will have tremendous influence on the direction of animal laws during their terms. Therefore, it is essential for all responsible dog owners, exhibitors, and breeders to be
informed and
active during the campaign season and to
vote.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) provides a flyer with this message for distribution at club meetings, dog shows, and anywhere dog lovers gather. Simply stated,
this election day your right to own and breed a dog could hang in the balance. AKC GR's one-page
printable flyer emphasizes this message and the importance of supporting dog and breeder-friendly candidates in the upcoming elections.
In addition to distributing the flyer, there are other steps you can take over the next several weeks to support the election of candidates who respect the rights of dog owners and breeders. An important first step is to research candidates' views on canine legislation.
Click here to review "Ideas for Identifying and Supporting Dog Friendly Candidates" from the July 2012 issue of
Taking Command. Share what you learn about candidates with your colleagues, club members, and fellow dog owners so they also can make informed choices at the ballot box.
Although dog issues are not a common part of a candidate's campaign platform; once elected, policymakers will likely encounter these issues. Please refer to the
AKC GR Toolbox for printable resources to help educate candidates and elected officials about the value and importance of supporting responsible dog ownership, breeding, and exhibition.
Voter turn-out remains a leading news topic as pollsters attempt to predict the winners in hotly-contested political races. A single vote could decide the outcome of an election, especially in local races. That single vote — your vote — could determine the future of dogs and dog owners in your community. This is your opportunity to make a difference.
