1 Woman. 1 Vote.

Aliza Sherman Interview

2008-11-24T17:47:06Z

The Virgin Voter is a Virgin No More

By Stephanie Agresta

Here at WE Vote '08, we are very glad to see that women made a difference this election. The data is still being calculated but most pundits are suggesting that women's participation in this election was a deciding factor! You go girls!!

It's time to check in with Aliza Sherman, our "virgin voter" and find out how the journey ended for her on 11/4/08! Check out the Q&A and between Aliza and yours truly, InternetGeekGirl:

]]> Q: Aliza, how did you feel when you voted on last Tuesday on November 4^th 2008?

A: It was a four stage process. First fear, confusion, relief and then fear again. The initial fear was of not knowing what the process would be like. When I got into the booth, I felt confusion because I couldn't figure out how to use the ballot. After I selected my candidates, I felt relieved. Then, truthfully, I felt a surge of fear again worried that my vote wouldn't matter and that my candidate wouldn't win.

Q: Ok - so you were scared, but you got through it. What were the biggest lessons you learned from this experience? How did you work through that fear?

A: The actual act of voting is an isolated, individual process. There is not a lot social about it. I felt disconnected. I'm someone who never had a fight about politics before or even engaged in those kinds of conversations. Then here I am, participating in this election in a big way - hosting voter registration events, talking and blogging about my ideas. I even had a fight with my husband the night before Election Day about a local candidate. The whole thing was weird for me. On the one hand I felt empowered and powerful about this right, ability and privilege, but a side of me felt helpless and small.

The good news is that I ultimately felt joy and elation with the process. Yes, my presidential choice won and I couldn't quite believe how quickly and hugely he won. I had never had faith in the process because I never participated in it before. Being part of this election and VOTING made me feel incredibly hopeful.

Overall, I feel smarter because of this process. Previous to Election 2008, I never voted for president because I didn't know about the issues. I forced myself to read things that I wouldn't read, talk about things I wouldn't talk about; follow the issues (both sides) on Twitter. I invested some time and energy on learning and now I have a political literacy and intelligence. I am a more engaged citizen now and I genuinely feel our country has the potential to go in a more positive direction.

Q: As an Alaskan citizen (and a woman), can you tell us what people thought about the loss of Sarah Palin?

A: It was mixed. Many people in Alaska supported Obama and came out of the woodwork and found each other. The 3 biggest political rallies ever held in the state of Alaska happened during this presidential election: 2 were pro-Obama, one was anti-Palin. People were definitely talking. Some people were angry at the Anchorage Daily News supported Obama, but still majority of Alaskans voted for McCain / Palin ticket

Q: As an Internet Marketing Expert, what did you think about Barack's social media strategy?

A: Barack surrounded himself with savvy internet experts who laid the groundwork and pushed the envelope beyond anything we've ever seen from a political candidate. This is model for not just political campaigns, but anyone who wants to harness the power of social media. They did everything right and things I didn't expect, such as developing an iPhone app.

Q: How did you feel about networking with other women during this process? How did your Election Night party go?

A: Everyone that was here was grateful to be together and to be a part of history and share that with people we like and respect. Being able to share this with others makes is more meaningful. Instead of just being a hostess for an event, WE Vote '08 gave me a reason to bring women together and have an intelligent conversation about politics. Even if we had different views, we all felt passionate about being involved in the process.

It was great to have a project like WE Vote '08 to empower women! They gave us a platform to help other women and I'm grateful for that. I definitely felt like my vote counted!

Big thanks to Aliza for all of her candor and support of the project!!

Almost There: Election Day

2008-10-31T17:52:54Z

Preparing for a record turn out.

By Stephanie Agresta

There is no question that voter turn out on Election Day 2008 will be one of the highest on record. The country has been immersed in presidential politics for over 18 months. In some states, early voting has been a popular trend (with experts predicting that nearly a third of the electorate will cast an early vote in this presidential race). Others will head to their local school, community center or church on November 4th to make their choice. Regardless of how you do it and who you vote for, WE Vote '08 is glad you do it! Thank you!!

]]>
It has been an amazing and fun experience for me personally. I love voting because of the way it makes me feel. My involvement in this project has meant so much to me because I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others. Maybe I'm a sap, but the fact is, I get a bit choked up when I vote. It makes me feel connected to the values of this country, to my community and to the idea that we can collectively make a difference. I love reviewing the sample ballot that comes via mail and heading to the local First Aid squad building on Election Day. I chat up the kind folks who manage the check in process and get all warm and fuzzy after I complete my civic duty. As we say in Internet speak, I heart voting!

News agencies and polling companies have been reporting concerns that young people who are registered to vote won't make the effort on the actual day to go through with the process. Regardless of your age, if you're reading this and you've registered but feel to busy to head to your voting facility - I implore you - please go. You will feel great!

Big thanks to all those that supported this project. Stay tuned next week for the final chapter in the Aliza Sherman voting journey when we learn all about her experiences on November 4th.

Blogging Election 2008

2008-10-30T14:28:01Z

Three bloggers share their thoughts about the upcoming election.

By Stephanie Agresta

Three of the top women bloggers on the Net joined WE Vote '08 at Blog World Expo in September and shared their thoughts on the importance of this election year. Bloggers have had a major impact on the current presidential race. With more and more people getting their news online, bloggers voices have infused the main stream media and added to the national conversation in a big way.

]]> pledging to vote with WE Vote '08! Featured in the video are:

Jessica Smith, JessicaKnows, and Chief Mom Officer at Seattle-based Wishpot.com
Laura Fitton, found of Pistachio Consulting and one of the first prominent "microbloggers," with roughly 6,500 readers on Twitter.
Kristie Wells, co-founder of Social Media Club, who prides herself on bridging the gap between 'techies' and 'non-techies

Remember to make your Election Day Plan for November 4, 2008.

See you at the polls.

We've Come a Long Way, Baby

2008-10-23T14:22:50Z

Exercising a right that a generation of women fought so hard to give us.

By Stephanie Agresta

Women candidates took center stage in this year's presidential election. There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin made their mark and have become integral players in American politics. It's hard to imagine a time when women weren't part of the political system at all - a time when women weren't allowed to vote, but CNN recently profiled Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106 year old woman in Atlanta who remembers those days. With less than two weeks to go until Election Day 2008, we could all stand to benefit from reflecting back on that time and the exciting history of women's voting rights.

]]> In 1848, suffragettes Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott rallied at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York. This marked the beginning of what would be a 72 year struggle in a fight for political equality. Other significant women like Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Dora Lewis dedicated their lives towards this cause and demonstrated the true meaning of perseverance and bravery. In many cases, they risked their safety at the expense of making their voices heard. In 1917, the suffrage group Silent Sentinals, headed by Paul, picketed the White House for 18 months. During that time, 33 women were taken to a local jail, beaten and tortured for weeks, and then accused of being mentally insane. That same year in 1917, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman to ever serve in Congress.

The efforts of these women culminated on August 18, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was passed. It officially stated the following: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

While the passing of the 19th Amendment was most definitely a victory for women, the struggle for political equality was far from over. Today, women are still underrepresented in the political sphere - only 16 out of 100 Senators are women and since 1917, only 229 have been elected to the House of Representatives. We have yet to see a woman take the office of President of the United States, although the 2008 campaign showed the world that this goal is clearly within reach.

This election season we're not voting for a female President, but we still have a huge opportunity to make history. We can represent ourselves in record numbers at the polls and exercise a right that a generation of women fought so hard to give us. We should encourage our friends to vote, remind them of why it's important, and also remember that there are still women in the world who may never get to do what we're doing. In countries like Brunei, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Vatican City, women's suffrage is still nonexistent.

To find out how you can vote and be part of this historic election season, visit our Voting FAQ page on WEVote08.com. Check your calendar for Tuesday, November 4th and make sure you know exactly where and when you will be voting! Here at WE Vote '08, we celebrate the courageous women who went before us, and the determined women who are responsible for shaping our political culture today - including YOU!

Debate Fever

2008-10-16T14:12:15Z

Our blogger reminds us that taking a time out can be just as important as getting involved.

By Stephanie Agresta

People are talking. And there sure is a lot to talk about: the economy, jobs, healthcare, war, world financial markets - just to name a few. Our "real lives" don't stop either: relationships, family, office politics, trying to fit in exercise and make good eating choices. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. An annual survey of the American Psychological Association found that:

The declining state of the nation's economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people
nationwide, and it is women who are bearing the brunt of financial stress...

]]> registered to vote and making sure my friends are too!

Yesterday marked the third and final presidential debate of the 2008 election season. Hopefully you had a chance to catch part of one of these important events. Whether or not you have decided on your choice for president, these debates offer a unique opportunity to see both candidates on stage together. The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) was established in 1987 to ensure that debates, as a permanent part of every general election, provide the best possible information to viewers and listeners. If you missed them on TV you can catch snippets on YouTube. Just to make it a little more fun, try taking this online quiz to test where you come out on the issues.

In addition to the rush that comes from participating in our great democratic process, it's important to take care of yourself in times of anxiety. Work hard at relaxing: watch television, take a bath, bake something fun and yummy, get a pedicure or talk to a friend!

And for a guaranteed pick me up - play your favorite inspirational song and dance around the living room! Remember: Things will get easier and brighter soon enough!

Web of Politics

2008-10-09T18:38:51Z

Many women, many laptops, many more votes!

By Stephanie Agresta

Voting is perhaps the best way democracy has been showcased throughout history. Now more than ever, more voices are being represented and heard. WE Vote '08 has worked to engage on-line and off-line communities in a conversation about getting involved in the process. The good news is voter registration numbers are on the rise. So long, apathy! Americans are paying more attention than ever and they are using the Internet to stay informed and get involved.

]]> a report about the record-breaking number of Americans that have used the Internet to participate in the political process this election season. As a self-proclaimed InternetGeekGirl, I'm excited to see the many ways people are getting involved online, including: reading and sharing political news, writing or forwarding political commentary or blogs, signing online petitions, signing up with the campaigns themselves to receive information, getting updates via text message and email, watching online video segments, and participating in political social networks.

We saw significant increases in voter registration and actual voting from 2000 to 2004. According to the U.S. census bureau, in 2000, 63.9% of citizens were registered to vote and 54.7% voted. The numbers increased in 2004 when 65.9% of citizens were registered and 58.3% showed up at the polls. Based on user trends and what appears to be pervasive and political hype on the web, this year's election could produce the biggest numbers yet.

If you're interested in seeing more about the ways in which the Internet is changing the face of politics, democracy, our nation, you don't have to look far.

Follow Barack Obama and John McCain on Twitter.
Watch the debates on Youtube.
Follow the campaign trail *live* via Ustream.
See who your friends support on Facebook and MySpace.
Track the various platforms politicians are on using Techpresident.com.

And last but not least, encourage your friends to vote right here through WE Vote '08! Regardless of what candidate you support, participating in this year's election is your chance to be part of history.

Making Our Voices Heard on the Web

2008-10-02T19:43:41Z

Stephanie Agresta and Erin Kotecki Vest discuss the impact of citizen journalism on this year's elections.

By Stephanie Agresta

Greetings from Blog World Expo, where the WE Vote 08 team got a chance to talk to bloggers from all around this country about their thoughts on the fall election, and their opinions on the importance of making their voices heard.

We caught up with former broadcast journalist and political/mommy blogger Erin Kotecki Vest who serves as Political Director and Election 08' Producer for BlogHer.com, as well as contributing regularly to the Huffington Post, MOMocrats.com and her own Queen of Spain blog.
]]> We asked Erin, who has interviewed Barack Obama and who attended both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions about the importance of this year's elections, and why some women have not yet registered to vote.

We also asked her how blogging and citizen journalism has affected the way women engage in political discussions. She told us

Because of the dynamics of the election, because of the candidates, Hillary, Barak, Palin, women who are not traditionally political bloggers are engaging, registering and discussing politics more than ever. They're doing this in their own communities on the Internet. I'm seeing women who would normally do what husbands say, vote for who their boyfriends vote for, are now doing their own thing, learning, and even becoming delegates for their candidates.

The election deadlines are looming for many states. If you follow @WEVote08 on Twitter, we'll tell you the day before each state's deadline. Or you can just look for your state on the WE Vote08 Map to find out how to register. And don't forget to add a badge to your website showing that you've pledged to vote.

Voter Registration: It's a Social Thing

2008-09-25T15:30:38Z

Using technology to make sure our voices are heard this election year.

By Stephanie Agresta

On Tuesday, September 16th, women in four cities across America got together to celebrate WE Vote '08. We called it a "Tweetup" because the events were planned via the social network Twitter.com, and also via Facebook. Of course participants across the country labeled their photos and videos with the "wevote08 tag" and put them up on another social networking site, Flickr!

]]> Aliza Sherman, our featured geek blogger and 'voting virgin', proudly held up her voter registration form at the event in Anchorage. More importantly, Aliza found great joy in helping to organize others to take this critical first step.

Women coming together to socialize around shared concerns is an ancient phenomena. But when you add the power of the Internet and the ease and popularity of social networking online, you see that we have a game-changer. The women of WE Vote '08 are using all the technology we can to encourage our friends and family to make sure their voice is heard this election year.

October deadlines for voter registration are getting very close. The election rhetoric is also heating up. Sarah Palin has sparked a nationwide conversation, especially among women. Given everything else going on in the world, it could be easy to put up a barrier and stay uninvolved. Here at WE Vote '08, we hope you are encouraged by the women who are sharing their stories and taking action. Voting can be a simple, private act or it can be a more public social statement. Find what feels comfortable for you, but make sure you are part of the process. It only works effectively when we all participate!

The Voting Virgin: Part 2

2008-09-18T15:28:11Z

Where there is a voting will, there is always a way!

By Stephanie Agresta

When we last left Aliza Sherman (back at BlogHer in San Francisco), she was pumped up and ready to go register to vote!! Inspired by WE Vote '08, Aliza set out to complete the voting registration process in her home state of Alaska.

]]>
And of course ladies, here at WE Vote '08, we're helping to make the process a bit easier for everyone. To begin with, our state-by-state map gets you to the right office in your state. You might have to maneuver a little (depending on your state), but as Aliza's story shows us - where there is a voting will, there is always a way! Let's hope someday the government figures out ways to make the process easier. If you register and get involved, you can help make that happen.

If you need some help, reach out to your friends. WE Vote '08 'is hosting voter registration socials in cities across America this week!! It's not too late to organize your friends locally and make sure they are registered as well. If you happen to be in one of the following cities, we'd love to see you there.

New York

Houston (tentative due to Ike)

Boston

San Francisco

Anchorage

From the desk of Aliza Sherman, Cybergrrl:

I've been busy with life and not actively pursuing registering to vote, especially after not being able to access the Division of Elections web site the day I was psyched to register. I was so motivated, that I called the Division of Elections office and left a message asking how to vote online. I received a nice, long message from their office giving me drawn out instructions on how to even find the link to the PDF form to download, print out, fill out and mail. That frustrated me to no end. Why have a link on a website to register to vote only to be nothing more than an old-fashioned, slow, time-consuming process? Totally counter intuitive to a geek like me!

Getting to the office - and there is only one office in Anchorage - isn't impossible but is hard when trying to keep on top of my work, take care of my toddler, run errands for my business and for my family, and spend quality time with my husband. Running by the Division of Elections office just doesn't make the top of that list.

Today I called the office and asked if they could send a Registrar to the Sept 16th event but they don't have anyone who can be there to help women to register. But they will mail me a stack of applications that I can have people fill out at the event. I'll be the first "guinea pig" to do so. Then I have to bring them by the Division of Elections office the following day. Because I'll be bringing applications for other people, they'll have to show their I.D. when going to vote - but that is something everyone has to do anyway so it doesn't seem like a big deal.

I wish it was more of an online process, but I wasn't about to give up! This means way too much to me. Thanks WE Vote '08 for the inspiration.

WE Vote '08: Coming to a City Near You!!

2008-09-09T14:10:12Z

Tweet up in cities across the country on September 16th.

By Stephanie Agresta

Voter registration deadlines are creeping up soon ladies and WE Vote '08 is getting the word out online and offline. Join some of the leading women of social media for a series of "tweet-ups" in cities across the country on September 16th!

]]>
Most states allow you to register up to 30 days before an election. Based on our scan of the data, you have until at least October 1st in every state to get registered. So check the map for your state's deadline! Since we are all busy women, let's just agree that we are all going to make sure we are registered no later than October 1st. No procrastination ladies!

That gives you two weeks post Tweet Up to make it happen!!

Not located near one of those cities? No worries: You can create your own voter registration gathering and link to us online!

Plus don't forget to add the WE Vote '08 Blog Badge to your site.

Let your voice be heard!!

New York City, hosted by yours truly, Howard Greenstein and Alexa Scordato!
Boston, hosted by Maria Thurrell
San Francisco, hosted by Jennifer Myronuk & Corey Denis
Anchorage, Alaska, hosted by Aliza Sherman
Houston, Texas, hosted by Erica O'Grady

Convention Couture

2008-09-03T16:00:26Z

Wearing your heart on your sleeve is all the rage this election season.

By Stephanie Agresta

In the last two weeks, many Americans gathered around their televisions and computer screens to tune into both the Democratic National Convention (held in Denver, Colo.), and the Republican National Convention (held in St. Paul, Minn.). In case you missed it, both parties' websites offer great re-caps. You can also find the keynote speeches on YouTube and links to the social networks for each candidate on TechPresident.

]]> BoomerGirl photographed last week. Now that's passion! After all, how is wearing a t-shirt for your favorite candidate any different than wearing a jersey for your favorite band or sports team?

I spent Labor Day weekend gathered with friends and family at the beach in New Jersey. Of course, politics came up and, of course, yours truly got involved in the conversation. All this media coverage and personal debate regarding the election got me thinking: What makes some people so passionate and others so apathetic? And as many of us get involved in get-out-the-vote efforts this fall, are there ways that we can discuss the issues that won't turn people off or make them uncomfortable?

For those who are hesitant about joining the debate or voicing an opinion, I say feel free to engage. A healthy democracy requires a robust conversation among its citizens. Just remember that it's OK to agree to disagree. And if you're talking to friends and colleagues that seem disinterested in politics, respect their views, but gently remind them our democracy only works if everyone exercises their right to vote.

There's a First Time for Everything

2008-08-28T16:00:05Z

Women from all walks of life are registering to vote this year.

By Stephanie Agresta

Last month at the BlogHer Conference held in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to interview one of my mentors, Aliza Sherman. Aliza Sherman, named by Newsweek magazine as one of the "Top 50 People Who Matter Most on the Internet," is a Web pioneer. You can read her full bio here, but believe me when I say she was one of the first community organizers and business leaders to see the power of the Internet. Her research, published in 1995, inspired me to write my masters thesis on women and the Web. She's a very cool lady and my greatest professional inspiration.

]]> But as I found out during this interview, Aliza had never placed a high premium on voting - until this year. Watch this video and listen to Aliza speak candidly about her fear and avoidance of this important civic duty.

The 2008 presidential election is stirring many people that have never voted before. Here at WE Vote '08 we are sharing stories that encourage you to get involved, and more importantly, inspire you to get your friends to get involved as well. Stay tuned as next week as we follow Aliza through the voter registration process and do a Q&A session regarding her experience.

Remember, it's not too late. Most states allow you to register up to 30 days before an election. Based on my scan of the data, you have until at least October 1st in every state to get registered. So check the map for your state's deadline! Since we are all busy women, let's just agree that we are all going to make sure we are registered no later than October 1st. No procrastination ladies!

By the way, in addition to online methods, you can pick up a voter registration form at your county elections office, library, or U.S. Post Office (in most states). It is important that your voter registration form be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office before the deadline.

The upcoming party conventions will provide you with a wealth of information on each candidate. Tune in and make sure you REGISTER TO VOTE. We need to hear your voice this year (and every year). I promise it's not as onerous as some of you may think. We are here for you at WE Vote '08! Feel free to email me with any questions: WEVote@wetv.com

Dating During an Election Year!

2008-08-21T14:33:43Z

By Stephanie Agresta

Presidential politics are everywhere these days. We're getting closer to announcements about vice-presidential picks and the conventions for both parties. Here at WE Vote '08 we are all about riding that wave! It starts with registering and pledging to vote (and of course heading to the polls on November 4th). But these days it's hard to stop there, especially for a 30-something single woman (and blogger) who is out on the dating scene!

]]> This got me thinking about the optimal mix of romance and politics. While this campaign is non-partisan, I tend to lean left (but have an equal opportunity policy when it comes to dating). This summer I started dating a Republican McCain supporter (who is registered to vote by the way). As you might guess, I'm a fan of discussing the issues. After all, if Mary Matalin and James Carville can stay married all these year, I should be able to include politics in my repertoire of dating conversation. In that process I learned a very important lesson (that applies to politics and love): It's about finding common ground. You may not share the exact same views, but you can identify what it is you both do agree on. Caught up in the intense swirl of election hype, I have realized that by focusing on the shared perspectives, the more likely you will be to find real solutions and success.

This past week, Pastor Rick Warren hosted Civil Forum on The Presidency at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California. Senators Obama and McCain shared a stage and provided answers to the exact same questions (in separate sessions). Warren started the event with some good advice: We can disagree without demonizing. That resonated for me! Wouldn't it be great if members of Congress would abide by that credo? How much more likely would I be to find relationship success if I do the same thing?

Encouraging those around you to vote is critical, but you have to be willing to accept the fact that they may not vote your way. It's more important to respect those around you for being willing to get involved and have a point of view, (versus having the exact same point-of-view as you). Trust me, this is not always an easy task - but, then again, neither is dating!

WE Vote '08 Talks to Newark Mayor Cory Booker

2008-08-13T20:44:23Z

By Stephanie Agresta

This week, I attended the Affiliate Summit, an online marketing conference that took place at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. Mayor Cory A. Booker of Newark, N.J., gave a great keynote speech about the importance of integrity in life and business. Politicians talk a lot about integrity, but Booker, the son of two civil-rights activists and only the third person to govern the city since 1970, certainly walks the talk. A Rhodes scholar and Yale-educated lawyer, Booker remains committed to bringing about an urban renewal in his adopted city.

]]>
WE Vote '08 is all about action.

Register to vote! If you've already registered, then get others involved. Everyone can make a difference. If you have a blog or website, please add our blog badges to your site. Add our Facebook application too. This week, we are reaching out to many top bloggers and asking them to put up a blog badge on their site. So stay tuned to see our list of blog supporters!

Join them, and join us, and make your vote count.

I pledge to VOTE!

InternetGeekGirl welcomes you to "1 Woman.1 Vote."

2008-08-05T19:30:13Z

By Stephanie Agresta

Hi. I'm Stephanie Agresta, aka InternetGeekGirl, and I'm a female blogger. Let me first say that it's a pleasure to join this online community, and I look forward to getting to know all of you over the coming months!

]]> I've been in the technology industry for a long time (10+ years) and i'm excited to be here on behalf of WE tv's, WE Vote '08 campaign. WE Vote '08 , part of the network's public affairs initiative, WE Empowers Women, is dedicated to encouraging women across the country to get involved in the upcoming Presidential Election by registering to vote and then casting their ballots this November. The good people at WE tv have asked me to help make that happen by sharing the individual voices and stories of leading women online. I hope you will be encouraged to join in our efforts, participate in my blog, and tell your friends the importance their vote makes this upcoming election!

It's August 2008, and we're in the midst of a very crucial election. From now until Election Day, I will be bringing you stories from top women bloggers as to why they vote, and why you should vote!

How does your vote count? Many of us don't remember what we learned in Junior High about voting. The folks at CommonCraft (a very hipster tech company that makes cool videos that explain complicated things in easy ways) have created this 3 minute video that explains exactly how your vote gets counted when electing the President of the United States: You can click here to watch it or hit the play button below!

What a great refresher course, right? Now - more importantly - here's how you can get involved in WE Vote '08 TODAY!

Register to Vote! It's easy. Just click here for a map of the US and go to your state. If you haven't already registered, this will show you how to do it quickly and easily. (Plus, if you register here, you can go sign up for your Free Gift!

Add this blog to your RSS reader!

Add our Facebook Application! Social networks are hot hot hot! Our Facebook application is a great way to let your friends know you're voting. Hey, why not, invite some friends to join you when you add it?

Follow us on Twitter. Ok, it's kind of a geeky site, but for those of you that are into micro-blogging, we're there for you!

Add a badge to your website or blog that tells the world - you pledge to vote! You can use the generic version or if you'd like, add the one that flags your candidate. We just want you to get involved, but feel free to promote one of the leading candidates if you so choose!

And most importantly, let your friends know about this blog. We'd love to hear your stories in the comments section, about your voting experience/s, or why you feel it's important for women to be counted, regardless of which party they vote, as the campaign is non-partisan..

I look forward to receiving your comments and want you to be sure to check back each Thursday to read my new blog of the week. The more woman that participate, the louder our voices will be heard!