On Nov. 3, voters will head to the polls to elect members of Congress and state and local leaders, and decide on key ballot measures that could directly impact public safety.
From staffing and collective bargaining rights to retirement security and workplace safety, the leaders elected this November will make decisions that directly affect IAFF members, their families, and their communities.
Here’s what IAFF members need to know before Election Day.
What’s on the ballot?
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 U.S. Senate seats will be up for election Nov. 3.
Voters in many states will also elect governors, state legislators, and local officials who have a say in key priorities for fire fighters. Some communities will also vote on ballot measures that could directly affect fire department budgets, staffing, and other public safety concerns.
To review a sample ballot for your community, click here.
Why should fire fighters vote?
Elected officials make decisions about staffing, collective bargaining rights, and department funding. These issues shape fire fighters’ ability to do their jobs safely and keep their communities protected.
“If fire fighters want a say in those decisions, we have to get in the fight,” General President Edward Kelly said. “That means making our voices heard and voting for candidates that support our members and the communities we serve.”
In Washington, Congress votes on key fire service priorities, such as funding for the AFG and SAFER grant programs. In recent years, IAFF advocacy and FIREPAC support has helped secure the passage of landmark legislation like the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act and the Social Security Fairness Act.
If fire fighters want a say in those decisions, we have to get in the fight. That means making our voices heard and voting for candidates that support our members and the communities we serve.
General President Edward Kelly
“These historic pieces of legislation wouldn’t have been possible without our members helping to elect pro-fire fighter, pro-public safety candidates,” said Kelly.
At the state and local levels, elected leaders make decisions that affect fire fighters’ day-to-day operations, like staffing, training, wages, and working conditions.
Review the IAFF’s Legislative Scorecard to see which members of Congress support fire fighters when it counts.
Make your voices heard
Before casting a ballot, review the candidates and ballot measures in your community, learn where candidates stand on public safety issues, and check with your Local or state associations for information about IAFF-endorsed candidates.
Most states allow early in-person voting, and every state allows absentee voting for eligible voters who are unable to vote in person on election day. Review your state’s voting rules here.
Visit vote.org to check your voter registration status, find polling locations, and make a plan to vote before Nov. 3.
