Midterm Elections Looming

As we are now only one day out from the mid-term elections it is crucial to keep in mind that the issues relevant to our mental health community ought to be bi-partisan issues as mental illness knows no party affiliation.

Not only is it critical that you vote but I ask that each of us ensure that we assist others in our mental health and broader disabilities community to have the opportunity to cast their vote as well.

The results of the election will determine the leadership and agenda-setting party within both chambers of Congress and, on the state level, usher in a new administration and potential waft of new freshman members of the general assembly. These times are ripe with opportunities for coalition building amongst NAMI affiliates and potential partnering organizations throughout the state.

· Make an informed decision before you cast your vote. Learn where the candidates stand on issues of relevance to our community. Go to www.namiswpa.org and click on the ‘Voter’s Guide” icon on the homepage.
· Go to www.votespa.com the Pa Department of State’s online voting information and resource center to locate polling places, contact county election officials and for other useful information and Election Day tips.

Look for a complete wrap-up of the results of the mid-term elections and the potential impact on our mental health community (including next steps for legislative advocacy) in subsequent "Call to Action" alerts and within the winter 2011 edition of the ‘Voice”.

Link to NAMI Southwestern PA Voter's Guide:
http://www.namiswpa.org/documents/uploadeddocs/VotersGuideSWPA1.pdf

(Much thanks to our friends at NAMI PA MainLine for the template of the voter's guide. Go to their website to access guides for districts throughout the state) www.nami.org/sites/NAMIPAMainLine


As always sincere thanks to each of you for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illnesses and let's get out and vote next Tuesday!