The Tom Joyner Morning Show and the NAACP National Voter Fund have partnered to launch 1-866-MYVOTE1 as part of a yearlong voter registration, education and empowerment campaign. ”This is truly one of the most exciting and important presidential election
‘This partnership with the NAACP National Voter Fund is our way to make sure we register as many voters as possible, and give our community the tools to become active players in this year’s election.” Julian Bond, chairman of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, said that ”the stakes in this year’s elections are extremely high and for the first time in U.S. History the African American vote will be decisive in both the Primary and General Elections.” Bond added, ”The NAACP and NAACP National Voter Fund’s Partnership with the Tom Joyner Morning Show could not come at a better time.
The Tom Joyner Morning Show’s national promotion will play a major role in our efforts to register and empower hundreds of thousands of African Americans and especially young voters throughout the United States.” The toll-free number can be used by callers around the country and will operate through the November 2008 election.
After callers dial the 866-MYVOTE1 (866-698-6831), they can enter their ZIP code and select from one of several options: 1) Request a voter registration application, which they can sign and return to their local county elections board; 2) Find the closest polling place to their home; 3) Record up to a: 60 second complaint if they have encountered any problems, or 4) Transfer to a person at their local county elections office.
Throughout the primary season and Election Day, Joyner and the NAACP will be encouraging tens of thousands to register to vote and be able to monitor any problems voters might have at their polling places.
The voter hotline is a part of Joyner’s and the NAACP broader initiatives to educate and inform residents to get involved in what is one of the most racially diverse presidential campaigns ever. Joyner’s Web site will feature a special ‘Moving America’ section that will exclusively be devoted to covering the presidential race as well as other critical issues affecting African Americans.
”Since the start of this new partnership in late November, 2007, over 10,000 listeners have already responded,”according to Greg Moore, executive director of the NAACP National Voter Fund. ”Our overall goal is to register 100,000 new voters who will play a decisive role in the 2008 primary and general elections.”
The NAACP National Voter Fund was established by the organization as a freestanding 501C (4) corporation in June 2000 to engage in civic participation and communitybased mobilization efforts through education and awareness campaigns surrounding key issues in communities of color.
NVF’s expertise lies in increasing voter turnout in the African-American communities through nonpartisan voter registration, voter education, and get-out-the vote efforts. Their Web site is www.naacpnvf.net.
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