With the midterm elections in view, March for Science has launched the national voter initiative, Vote for Science. The goal of the campaign is for scientists and science-supporters to engage with their elected officials and candidates about the impact of science policy on the daily lives of Americans. Vote for Science organizers are encouraging individuals to support local voter registration drives and get out the vote efforts. The campaign’s theme for the month of January is “Basic Research and Scientific Integrity.”
In a recent blog post, Koren Temple Perry, communications director of March for Science, underscored their goals of creating a direct connection between science supporters and policymakers to strengthen science in policy and politics. “Science is a vital feature of a working democracy, spurring innovation, critical thinking, increased understanding, and better, healthier lives for all people,” she said.
The Vote for Science website includes online resources to help individuals contact candidates. An online advocacy guide provides tips on how to be an effective advocate at town halls, sample telephone scripts, and science policy issue guides. Organizers will share messages for the different themes each month leading up to the November elections. Participants are encouraged to sign an online pledge to hold elected officials accountable for supporting policies that empower science, advocate for science in the community, vote and encourage others to vote.
For more information about the initiative, visit www.sciencevote.org/