On June 14th, both the Democratic and Republican Parties will hold their primaries for state officers. Make sure you are registered in the party for which you wish to vote. Most of all, get ready to get the word out! Virginia NOW and our chapters across the state registered hundreds of people to vote in the 2004 elections. We can do it again with your help. If you are wondering how we can take back our state from rogue legislators that abuse taxpayers’ money and thin our patience with anti-women bills, here is your chance.

Virginia got lucky with Gov. Mark Warner who has advocated for the rights of all Virginians. He is an especially good proponent of women and our issues including equal pay, domestic violence, housing rights, education, children, the environment, reproductive freedom, and much more (Check out the governor’s website http://www.governor.virginia.gov/).  This year, we want to elect a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and legislators who hold these same values in the highest regard. Everyone deserves equality. Discrimination on any level is not an option. Equality is a ubiquitous right that has not been fully achieved. This is our opportunity to let candidates know that although we can find common ground on many issues, equality cannot be compromised. The beauty of a democratic society is having the ability to live life as you feel is right for you, not how others want you to live based on their own standards. All humans deserve equal respect. Also, it is looking out for one another, making sure everyone in society has an equal chance. These are the core values of feminists. These are the core values of Virginia NOW. I hope you will help us preserve and promote these values- tolerance, freedom and equality- in 2005.

We hope you’ll join us at the Hotel Roanoke on June 18th for Virginia NOW’s state conference. This year’s theme is Political Organizing and Coalition Building. Let’s get started!