VOTE! We at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center want to remind you to make sure that you exercise your right to vote. Tomorrow, November 6th is election day and while most eyes will be focused on the Presidential election there are two very important ballot initiatives that need your support.
We are urging you to VOTE YES on the GAS TAX and SALES TAX. It makes sense for us to ensure that vital services in our community are funded and supported. We are there year round to make sure that our tax dollars are used to benefit those that need it most. This is the time to make sure our communities have the resources to build community. Please review the info below and make an informed choice.
VOTE YES! ON THE CITY OF MEMPHIS GAS TAX. ONE CENT MAKES SENSE!
The Memphis City Council voted to place on the ballot a referendum for a 1¢ cent tax per gallon of gas purchased within the city of Memphis. If it’s approved, the tax could provide as much as $3 million to MATA as a guaranteed source of revenue for local public transit. This small tax would amount to a mere $10.00 per year for a person who drives 20,000 miles a year at 20 miles to the gallon.
These funds will be used by MATA to improve service along the eight most used routes: the 52, 10, 8, 50, 56, 32, 43 and 39 buses. This will also result in cutting down on waiting times along the eight major routes and improved services during peak hours.The funds also would be used to improve bus shelters and hire additional drivers for MATA plus, a service for riders with disabilities that prevent them from using the fixed routes.
The 1¢ Gas tax referendum is supported by the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, the Memphis Bus Riders Union,The Sierra Club, Memphis Center for Independent Living, ADAPT of Tennessee, Latino Memphis, the League of Women Voters and the National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee.
So get out the vote. To see if you are a registered voter and to find your voting precinct, please visit the links below.
VOTE YES FOR EDUCATION, VOTE YES FOR THE COUNTY SALES TAX.
Early Voting has has ended, but you can still cast your vote FOR 30 million dollars to improve public education in Memphis and Shelby County on Nov. 6th by voting FOR the Shelby County Sales Tax Referendum.
Stand for Children is coordinating Election Day turnout for the campaign. They need volunteers to work with on election day to talk to voters and pass literature at the polls. This is a great opportunity to take a direct action for our schools and students. A few simple words from you to a voter could make the difference in this election. “Vote for OUR schools! Vote for the Sales Tax Referendum” that’s all it takes.
Not everyone realizes that half of the sales tax is guaranteed by state law to go to public education. This will equal 30 million more annually for our schools, about $200 more per student in Shelby County.
Here’s how you can help!
Just have a hour or two, or a lunch break?
- Volunteer for at your voting precinct or any polling site. Just let us know and we will get you literature and a sign. Or, we can assign you to a priority location.
Can you work all day? (6:30am-7:00pm)
- You will be assigned a polling location for ALL DAY
- You will receive a volunteer and lunch stipend
- You are asked to attend a training session on Monday November 5 at 6PM at the Stand for Children Office, 915 McLemore, Suite 201
- On Election Day we ask you to be at your polling station from at 6:30AM
You all will be the difference in this election; and, these dollars will make a real difference in our schools.
Vote FOR the County Sales Tax, Vote FOR our Schools!
Email memphis@stand.org if you can help in any way!
Am I registered?
http://www.voteshelby.com/index.aspx?nid=87
Precinct Locator
http://www.voteshelby.com/index.aspx?NID=122