The American Legion in Bergen County is mobilizing to fight voter apathy and get residents registered to cast their votes on Election Day. Members of American Legion posts in Bergen County are urging their friends and neighbors to help stop the decline in voter participation and, instead, get every eligible voter to the polls.

Bob Salvini, commander of Bergen County American Legion, says the campaign in Bergen County is part of The American Legion’s nationwide “Get Out the Vote” program. Salvini said, “we’ve been doing this since 1920 but this year, it is taking on added importance. There are so many important things happening in the world today that will shape how we live our lives tomorrow.” 

“Under the provision of The American Legion’s federal charter, we are prohibited from supporting, opposing or providing aid to any political party or any candidate for public office,” Salvini said. “But, The American Legion can use its volunteer resources and facilities to encourage eligible citizens to register and vote. After all, it is a citizen’s duty and responsibility.” 

Salvini said that members of the posts in Bergen County would keep the campaign going from the start of the registration drive to the close of polls on Election Day 2012. 

Salvini implores voters to do their homework before they vote and not base their vote on the fliers, and campaign ads in the papers or on TV. One way to do that is to go to www.votesmart.org/, www.c-span.org/Campaign2012/ or www.legion.capwiz.com/election/my_races and be sure to watch the upcoming debates, take notes, identify the issues you see as important to you, your family and our country and insure you fully understand where the candidates stand on those issues.

In closing Salvini said, Lame excuses and other forms of voter apathy have no place in American democracy. Show you care. Do your duty. Register to vote (you can check to see if your voter registration is up to date here www.canivote.org/, get educated on the issues and where the candidates stand on those issues and Vote.