Take 5

While I have you all here, I wanted to mention a program that we're actively pushing here in Pennsylvania. It's called Take 5 Women to the Polls and it's very important. In the 2000 Election, there were 22 million single women nationwide who did not register and did not vote. And 2 million of them lived in PA. The idea behind Take 5 is that every woman (or man; we should all be doing this) finds 5 other women who are not registered and "adopt" them for this election. By adopt, I mean get them registered to vote, find out where they are supposed to vote and make sure they have a way to vote on November 2.

This is something that everyone should be thinking about, and not just women should be adopted. The priviledge of voting in this country has been taken for granted for quite a while now by quite a lot of people. We need to make sure that our fellow citizens (especially in my generation) understand that the best way to be heard is to become an active part of the electorate.

So if you want to do something this election season and don't have a lot spare time to canvass or stand on a corner, just try Take 5. It will get you out there, talking to your neighbors, and those in the cafes and library, and restaurants. Ask your waitresses, ask the valets, ask the guys behind the counter at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Make sure they're registered, and if they aren't, tell them you'll help.

Registration forms can be picked up at the post office near you. And be sure to ask what the deadline for your state is, or check here.

This is one civic action we can all take part in, with minimal effort. And it will go a long way to making our elections more representative and more democratic.

44 days...