Employer Election Tool Kit

Employer Election Tool Kit

Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Employer Get Out the Vote Tool Kit Employer most credible source for issue/election information (Media-16 %, Political Parties-12 %,-Labor Union:1 % ) 57% of employees say employer communication led them to directly write a legislator. *Information provided by Moore Information Inc. The Alliance & Chamber and the Government Relations Committee encourages employers to communicate the importance of voting in the upcoming election. This tool kit includes payroll stuffers, posters, voter registration information, messaging and other ideas on how employers can encourage employees to vote and educate them on the importance of voting for pro-business candidates who support the issues and policies that are vitally important to the entire Cedar Valley business community including: business regulation, taxation, education and infrastructure. Together we must consistently advocate for economic gowth friendly policies, to make this a better place to do business and enjoy life. Create a Plan to Educate Determine which policy issues matter most to your company and develop a system for evaluating the records of candidates and elected officials on these issues. Decide who you want to reach with your message customers, vendors, shareholders, or employees (including retirees and employees overseas). Using the Sample Messages provided by the Alliance & Chamber in cooperaton with Iowa Assocaition of Business and Industry (ABI) and BIPAC, time messages and outreach campaigns to have the greatest impact in the legislative districts that matter most to you. Establish Leaders within Your Company Identify and train employee leaders (perhaps HR managers or plant managers) who can serve as contacts and provide training or information on the elections. Communicate Develop targeted messages about your legislative agenda, the records of elected officials and candidates on your priority issues, and the importance of active involvement in the elections. These communications can be made using various means, including: Email Employee websites Employee newsletters Events or staff meetings to discuss and encourage political participation Posters and bulletin notices in employee areas Mail (included in paychecks) Build Relationships Invite elected officials and candidates to your company facilities for plant tours or meet and greet events with your employees. At these events, you can discuss the issues, their potential impact on your business, and the candidates positions and records on policies. Get Out the Vote Conduct voter registration and education campaigns As the general election approaches, begin early voting/absentee ballot drives to ensure participation. Send Election Day voting reminders to all employees and provide time off for voting. *Note: For certain election-related activities, federal and/or state regulations may apply, in particular related to fundraising, coordination with candidates and disclosure of payment. Proper attention must be paid to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Federal, state, city and county election laws vary and must be checked with your local board of elections. For federal candidates, visit the Federal Election Commission at www.fec.gov.

Get Out the Vote General Messages - use anytime The United States of America has long been a beacon of democracy around the world a nation founded on the rights of citizens to elect their representatives. Every election is important and an opportunity to help keep America on the right track. As another round of elections approach, we again go through the cycle of heated debate, mixed messages, and political spin. Despite all of this, it is your voice and your vote that matters most, and it is imperative that you take part in the democratic process by voting in your state s primary election and then the general election in November. This election year, Americans will elect 435 members of Congress, 35 Senators, 36 Governors and countless state and local officials. Don t be silent, be a part of our democracy and make your voice heard in both the primary and general elections. We encourage you to visit our website at cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov for general information that will help you to prepare for the upcoming elections. This website is designed to encourage our employees, regardless of political affiliation, to exercise their civic duties to learn about political issues and to vote their conscience in the primary and general elections. This website does not endorse any specific political candidates, parties or causes. Tweet: Be Powerful, Be Responsible and Be Involved. Vote! Visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov to prepare for the upcoming elections. #employeesvote Facebook Post: Be Powerful, Be Responsible and Be Involved. Vote! For information on the upcoming elections, visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov. Voter Registration Messages Sept. 29, 2014 - Oct. 25, 2014 Don t be silent this election year, be a part of our democracy and make your voice heard in your state s general election - VOTE! But you can t vote if you re not registered. Are you and your family members registered to vote? In Iowa, you may register and vote on election day. To do so, you first must go to the correct polling place for your current address on election day. If you are unsure of your polling place, Find Your Precinct/Polling Place at https://sos.iowa.gov/. At the polling place, you must prove both who you are and where you live. The best way to do this is with your valid Iowa driver s license with your current address printed on it. On Election Day, the power of one vote is enormous, and you can make the difference. Get registered and vote. Are you and your family members registered to vote in the Novemeber general election? For information on voter registration, including deadlines, instructions and forms, go to our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance. com/gov. Registering is easy and takes only a few moments.

Voter Registration Messages Continued Tweet: Register now, make it count in November! For information on voter registration, go to www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov. #employeesvote The United States is a nation built by voters, make your mark and visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov to REGISTER TO VOTE! #employeesvote Facebook Post: Register now, make it count in November! For information on voter registration, including deadlines and forms, visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov. The United States of America is a nation built by voters; make your mark on the 2014 election! Visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov to REGISTER TO VOTE. It s quick and easy! Early Voting in Person Messages Sept. 25, 2014 - November 3, 2014 Early voting is now underway! If you won t be able to go to the polls on November 4th Election Day, you may be able to vote early in person. To find out if you re eligible to vote early, and get more information, visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov The early voting period is ending soon! If you won t be able to go to the polls on Election Day you may be able to vote early in person. To find out if you re eligible to vote early, and get more information, visit www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov. Think November 4th is the only Election Day? Not if you vote early! If you won t be able to go to the polls on November 4th, you may be able to vote early in person. Early voting in Iowa is already underway and will end on November 3rd.Visit www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov to get more information about early voting in Iowa. Tweet: Can t get to the polls to vote? Vote early in person! Visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov for more information. #employeesvote Voting early in person? The early voting period is ending soon. For more information, go to our website at www. cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov. #employeesvote Early voting has started! Don t miss out! Visit www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov for more information. #employeesvote Facebook Post: Can t make it to the polls on Election Day? Visit www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov to see if you can vote early in person now! The early voting period is ending soon. For more information and to see if you are eligible to vote early, visit www. cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov Can t make it to the polls on Election Day? You may be able to vote early in person! Visit www. cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov for more information and voting deadlines.

Early Voting by Mail Messages Sept. 25 - Oct. 31, 2014 Life can get busy! Early voting by mail is an easy and flexible way to vote and allows you to participate in the election when it is most convenient for you. In Iowa, requests for absentee ballots must be received by your county board of elections no later than Oct. 31st. If you haven t already voted early in person, now is the time to request an absentee ballot. To find out if you re eligible to vote early by mail, and get instructions and forms, please visit our website at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov Deadline for mailed absentee ballot - must also be postmarked on Monday, November 3 or earlier and recewived no later than November 10th Tweet: Can t make it to the polls? You can request an absentee ballot instead! Visit www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov. #employeesvote Facebook Post: Want to vote early by mail? Make sure to request an absentee ballot before it s too late. Visit www. cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov for more information. Get Out the Vote Election Reminder November 3, 2014 Tomorrow is the Election Day! If you haven t already voted early in person or by mail, be sure to get to the polls tomorrow. Tweet: Respect the past, protect the future and VOTE TOMORROW! #employeesvote Facebook Post: You don t have to be a superhero to make a difference. Be a hero for democracy and VOTE TOMORROW! Iowa Voter Timeline Voter Pre -Registration Deadline by Mail - 10/20/2014 Voter Pre-Registration Deadline In-Person - 10/25/2014 Early/Absentee Voting In-Person Begins - 9/25/2014 Absentee Application/Request Deadline - 10/31/2014 Last day to vote in-person by absentee ballot at county auditor s office 11/03/2014 Deadline for mailed absentee ballot - must also be postmarked on Monday, November 3 or earlier and received no later than November 10th General Election Day - 11/04/2014, polls open 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. statewide Graphics: If you would like graphics for your website, email, printable graphics, or poster art please contact Alliance & Chamber Communications Director Wendy Knapp by email at wknapp@cedarvalleyalliance.com. Resources: cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov iowaprosperity.org sos.iowa.gov

Stay Engaged Friday Forums Friday Forum is a monthly update with Legislators and other influencers on current issues during the legislative session. All Friday Forums will be held in the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber 1st floor conference room from 7:30am - 9:00am. Programs are subject to change. Please RSVP and confirm event details on the Events Calendar at cedarvalleyalliance.com Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8 Pre-Session Legislative Reception December 9th, 4:30-6:30pm Isle Casino & Hotel, Waterloo The Annual Pre-Session Legislative Reception is an opportunity for business and civic leaders to meet and mingle with state legislators from across the Cedar Valley region. The evening gives the legislators an opportunity to hear what s on your mind. Alliance & Chamber Investors are encouraged to attend to voice support for pro-business policies and the projects and programs that will make the Cedar Valley an even better place to live and operate a business. Mid- Session Legislative Reception in Des Moines, February 2015 (TBD) The Annual Des Moines Legislative Session Reception is an opportunity to share your views with lawmakers, ask questions and hear their take on the topics of interest to business leaders in the Cedar Valley. Steve Firman Director of Government Relations Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber SFirman@cedarvalleyalliance.com (319) 239-6067 Mike McCrary, Chairman Government Relations Committee Lincoln Savings Bank MikeM@mylsb.com (319)988-3630 Steven J. Dust, CEcD CEO Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber SDust@cedarvalleyalliance.com (319) 232-1156 www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/gov