‘Get Out the Vote!’

“The Nov. 7 election gives us the best chance in many years to elect a pro-worker Congress,” APWU President William Burrus has said, “and I urge every union member to take advantage of this important opportunity and vote.”

Burrus has asked union members to vote for APWU-endorsed candidates in races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. “On Election Day, you will make decisions that will affect your family, your job, and your country.

“I respect your right to vote for whoever you choose,” he wrote to union members. “However, as your union president I have a responsibility to inform you that your future as a worker and as a postal employee will remain in jeopardy unless we help achieve major changes in the makeup of Congress.”

“I hope you will join me in the fight for a better economy and a more secure future.”

Legislative Director Myke Reid noted that the APWU is working hard to help elect candidates who support postal employees and working families. “Hundreds of APWU members are working with others in the labor movement — knocking on doors, participating in phone banks, and encouraging their co-workers, friends, and neighbors to vote,” he said.

APWU locals have also been provided with lists of “drop-off voters,” who typically vote in presidential elections but not in mid-term congressional races, Reid said. “Nearly 500,000 drop-off voters have been identified by the AFL-CIO, and we are asking local activists to make a special effort to encourage these union members to vote on Tuesday.”

Reid also urged members to vote early in states that offer early voting, and to vote by absentee ballot if necessary.