Vote for Innovation
Vote for Innovation Backgrounder
On November 6, 2012, voters will have the opportunity to chart America’s path for the next four years. In addition to the 57th presidential race, 33 U.S. senate races, House of Representative races to elect members of the 113th Congress, 11 gubernatorial races, as well as many state legislature and other state and local races will occur on this date. As we’re seeing the political arena change so much from year to year, it’s more important than ever to be informed and make the decision that’s best for you.
Truth be told, voting is always important. However, even in 2008 - a groundbreaking presidential election - only 63% of registered voters cast their ballot, and even that was a record! In 2012, we can hope for a new record, with a much higher voting rate. It’s more important than ever.
However, it is important not only because of politics. It’s also important because we are at a crossroads for the biopharmaceutical research sector, and America’s future lawmakers will have a significant and real effect on our companies.
We’re tracking the country’s economy as it begins a slow rebound, in which our industry will surely play a large part; we’re watching the gradual implementation of the health care reform law, a process that will take years; we’re seeing the research we do change as technology and computers play ever-evolving roles. As the world changes, so too do our jobs.
That’s why this election matters, and that’s why we, as biopharmaceutical research company employees, should vote for health. After all, the leaders we elect next year will impact all of our lives in many ways.
We won’t all agree on any particular candidates or policies; rather, the priority is for each of us to make the most informed decision that we can. It’s our responsibility as voters. That’s why it’s important to be prepared to vote on November 6, 2012, and to ask yourself questions that will help you make the decision that is best for you.
Before You Vote
Whether this will be your first time voting, in which case you have to do a few things to get ready, or whether you are a regular voter but want to make sure you’ve checked all your boxes, take a moment to go over the following steps to prepare yourself:
- Make sure you are registered to vote. If you’ve never voted before, or if you have moved since the last election, you may need to register. This can often be done online or at a local government office, a post office, a library, or the motor vehicle department. It only takes a few minutes to fill out a voter registration form, but don’t wait until the last minute - the deadline is often several weeks before an election. Also, although you aren’t required to choose a political party when you register to vote, keep in mind that your state may require you to be affiliated with one in order to vote in primary elections in the future. If you are already registered, locate your voter registration card, as you may have to present it at the polls in order to vote. Contact your local or state government or visit www.Vote411.org or www.Register-Vote.com for more detailed information.
- Locate your polling place. This may seem like unnecessary advice, but it’s worth heeding. If you’re trying to fit in your vote amongst daily responsibilities, errands, and work, you may be in a rush. Make sure you know precisely where you’re going so you are able to get there and do your civic duty by casting your ballot. Also, polling locations may move, so even if you’ve voted in your area before, confirm that you know where you have to go. Contact your local or state government or visit www.WeVoteForHealth.org for more information.
- Not going to be in town on November 6, 2012? Apply for an absentee ballot. Be sure to turn it in before the deadline, though keep in mind that your state may have guidelines regarding who qualifies to submit an absentee ballot. Contact your local or state government for more detailed information, or visit www.WeVoteForHealth.org.
- Be prepared! Every vote counts, so make sure that you’re casting your vote for the candidate who you feel will best represent you.
How to Select a Candidate
As biopharmaceutical research company employees, our jobs would likely be better supported in the future by pro-innovation policies. Because of that, we may want to consider which candidates seem to be pro-innovation candidates.
- Keep an open mind. You are not obligated to vote for any particular candidate. It doesn’t matter what your party affiliation is, whether you voted for them last time, or where they stand in the polls. Your candidate of choice is who you deem it to be.
- Ask yourself what issues are most important to you. Then decide what your position is on those issues. You may not find a candidate with whom you agree on all issues or policies, but by choosing those that matter most, you are more likely to find someone who you can enthusiastically support.
- Talk to your friends, neighbors and families about the candidates. Sometimes it’s important to get different perspectives, especially from your peers, and it’s important to share your expertise on innovation and the issues around it.
- Be an innovation voter. Find out where your candidates stand on issues that affect innovation in America, as well as America’s global leadership in medical innovation.
- Read media coverage of your potential candidates from a variety of sources. Some media outlets may have biases; getting information from different sources will help you to form a broader, more accurate view of the candidates for whom you may cast your vote.
- Try to attend a town hall meeting in your area. This is a good opportunity to get a better sense of your candidates as people, ask them questions about issues that are important to you, and see what else matters to other members of your community. For more information on how to participate in a town hall meeting, and how to ask questions about candidates’ views on policies to support innovation, see www.WeWorkForHealth.org/town-hall-tips.
Support the Innovation Candidate of Your Choice
Have you made your decision well in advance of the election? Is there a candidate you support enough to want to help in his or her campaign? There are many ways that you can get involved to help support the innovation candidate of your choice.
- Contact your candidate of choice’s local campaign headquarters and ask for a calendar of events and list of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are always needed for a wide range of tasks, depending on how involved you choose to be.
- These tasks can include calling other voters, helping other volunteers prepare mailings to be sent to voters, canvassing neighborhoods, serving on a policy committee, raising money, or helping to organize events.
- If your volunteer interests extend to more than one candidate, consider contacting the local office of your political party of choice. You may be able to provide the same volunteer services for the party as a whole, rather than just one candidate.
- Most importantly, talk to people about your support. Tell your friends and neighbors who you stand behind, and why. They value your opinion, and your perspective may give them a new way of viewing a candidate outside of the traditional media portrayal.
- For more information, visit www.WeVoteForHealth.org.
Get excited about the 2012 election. As members of our local communities and members of the biopharmaceutical community, we have a chance to continue to make America a better place to live for us all.