Blog Action Day 2008: Vote to end poverty on November 4th!

The 2008 election is shaping up to be one of the most important in this nation's history. The candidates are talking about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising fuel costs, education, healthcare, and a stagnating economy. The decisions that will be made to solve these and many other problems will directly affect America's low wage workers -- those living paycheck to paycheck, those struggling to put gas in their cars, and those who want to make sure that their kids stay in school, but who can't take time off work to take them to the doctor or even to enroll them in classes.

That's why it's essential that working women head to the polls and cast their ballots this November 4th. Your opinions matter!

During the last few months, 9to5 staff and volunteers have been distributing Election Connection Voter Guides, helping working women learn more about the issues that are important to them in this election. While the candidates are out debating and campaigning, you can use this guide to help you determine where the candidates stand on these crucial issues. If you would like to download a copy of this voter guide, please click here.

By acting together, working women have the power to determine the outcome of elections -- and to forge new public and workplace policies. Let the candidates know how you feel about the following issues!

What do working women value?

We value work-family flexibility and vote for politicians who support basic labor standards to ensure a family-friendly workplace. Working women need more accessible and affordable family and medical leave, including paid family leave insurance.

We value equal opportunity. We vote for politicians who support an end to all forms of discrimination in the workplace. Low-wage women will never be able to pull themselves out of poverty until they earn a fair wage for the work they do.

We value family-supporting jobs and an end to poverty. We vote for politicians who recognize the dignity of all people and the right to a higher quality of life for working families. Working women deserve strong safety net policies that support families as they transition from poverty to economic self-sufficiency.

Tell us: What issues matter most to you as a working woman in this election?