The single most important action you can take to protect Oregon’s climate, future
We need to elect pro-climate officials at every level to protect our environment and ensure a stable climate for future generations
In a matter of days, tens of thousands of Oregonians were put under evacuation orders, thousands of families lost their homes, and nine people lost their lives. More than a million acres of precious Oregon lands–including critical carbon stores–were destroyed. Dense smoke led to air quality so beyond hazardous that public officials issued a statewide advisory instructing Oregonians to stay indoors. And here’s the kicker: if we do not reverse current climate pollution trends, devastating wildfires like the ones recently affecting Oregon and other extreme weather events will not only become the norm; they will become more frequent, severe and long-lasting.
The good news is, more and more people want climate action. Recent national polling shows the majority of Americans are concerned, or even alarmed about climate change. And no wonder, between floods, hurricanes, drought and wildfires, more and more Americans are directly feeling the impacts.
Thankfully, we all have the ability to ensure a safer, healthier, more resilient Oregon. In fact, there is a vital nexus between individual action and the systemic policy change needed to effectively prevent the worst impacts of climate change. With the future of our planet at stake, the single most important action that any person can take to protect our climate, our planet and our future is to VOTE.
Science tells us that we have roughly 7 years left to act to prevent irreversible climate impacts. That means who we choose to elect to public office this November will not just determine the next four years; this election could make or break our climate fate.
Voting is our best bet to ensure that federal, state and local government leaders adopt the policies necessary to transition us away from destructive fossil fuels and toward a healthier, more resilient clean energy future. By electing pro-climate officials at every level of government, we have the opportunity to enable the systemic policy change necessary to build back better and protect our climate, our communities and create economic opportunities now and for future generations.
With just a few weeks to go until election day on November 3rd, now is the time to make a voting plan, talk to your friends and family, and GET OUT THE VOTE.
Here’s the info you need to #VoteClimate in 2020:
- Get your ballot: All ballots should have been mailed to registered voters in Oregon by now. If you do not receive your ballot by Oct. 22, you can check its status here or call your local elections office. The Secretary of State’s office also has special ballot instructions for households displaced by this year’s climate fires. Don’t wait!
- Do your homework: Not sure of a candidate’s environmental record? Check out these handy League of Conservation Voters scorecards to help you decide who to support in the Oregon legislature and in Congress. And review OEC’s ballot measure endorsements for help on local and statewide issues.
- Phone a friend: This election is critical to the future of our planet and our communities. Once your ballot is signed, sealed and delivered, take a moment to remind a friend or family member to vote and help them make a plan.
- Return your ballot: Oct. 27 is the last day to safely return your ballot by mail. After Oct. 27, ballots must be put in a drop box. After you drop your ballot in the mail, you can track its status here.
- Election Day! Your ballot must be received by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd to be counted. Search for your nearest drop box location here and make a plan to drop off your ballot before the deadline!
For more resources to help shape your voting plan, check out the Oregon Secretary of State’s website. Happy voting! #VoteForOurFuture #VoteClimate #Vote
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