A Victory for a Friend of Public Education

The election of 2008 was a milestone for our nation. With a groundswell of enthusiasm among youth and minorities, the American people turned out in record numbers to vote for change. The NEA helped lead the way in this historic event.

With the U.S. facing a crumbling economy and fighting two wars, Americans made history Tuesday night by electing Barack Obama. Voters also elected pro-education candidates at all levels.

As we pause to savor this moment for its historic significance, we should also consider what it means for the children of our nation.

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What a Long, Strange, Important Trip It's Been

But Election Day 2008 is finally here. If you're not among the tens of millions of people who have already voted, today's the day. If you need to find the route to your polling place, check out Vote 411. If you still need a bit more information on where the presidential candidates stand on the issues, check out our comparison. And don't forget to vote down ballot in crucial gubernatorial, Senate, and House races, as well as on any ballot initiatives in your state.

Here's your benchmark for tomorrow: In the 2004 presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry, 61 percent of eligible voters turnout out at the polls. But we can do better than that. Italy's average voter turnout is 93 percent and Australia rings in at 81 percent. So get out there!

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When It's All (Soon) Over, NEA Will Have Made a Difference

It's coming to a close: An unprecedented effort by NEA to mobilize its 3.2 million members to elect friends of public education at the national, state and local levels. "Watch NEA members and their families on election night if you want to know the outcome of races across the country," says NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "Our members are in every precinct, county, congressional district and state. Given our unique demographic makeup—women, rural and suburban members—we are the typical swing voter of the 2008 election." In addition to NEA's 3.2 million members, factor in their immediate family members and that audience that cares about public education grows to more than 5 million potential voters.

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