New York — The PowHer New York statewide network of more than 100 organizations is banding together to ensure that women count in the upcoming elections. The non-partisan initiative — PowHer the Vote — aims to protect and expand women’s rights in New York. Galvanized by the Women’s Marches, #MeToo Movement, and federal assaults on progressive policies, this 10-week social media campaign will inject key issues into the public debate, ensure that candidates address issues of importance to women, and drive voters to the polls on Election Day in November.

Launching on Primary Day, Thursday, September 13, PowHer the Vote will spotlight critical issues every week leading up to November 6 with expert blogs, social media outreach. and online forums each Thursday from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., focused around PowHer New York’s “10 Questions to Ask Candidates.” Topics include: Child Care, Better Jobs and Equal Pay, Reproductive Rights, Violence Against Women, Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Diversity.

“The 2018 elections are critical for women. Through PowHer the Vote, issues important to women’s economic security, women’s safety, women’s rights, and women’s equality will all be brought to the forefront through various outreach methods designed to educate and inform,” said Beverly Neufeld, PowHer New York President. “Far too often, women and issues pertinent to them are ignored. Through PowHer the Vote, we hope to spotlight what concerns women, and inspire women to vote and set the course for a progressive agenda in New York.”

Although the stakes for women are high, typically New York’s voter participation is low, especially in non-presidential election years. In 2014, only 34.4 percent of registered voters showed up at the polls, ranking New York 48th in the country. An outpouring of women’s votes can have enormous impact on election results, and the PowHer the Vote campaign aims to inspire and engage progressive voters across the state.

PowHer New York is a statewide network of individuals and organizations committed to accelerating economic equality for 10 million New York women and their families. Through the collective action of our 100+ network partners, we build intersectional collaborations, educate the public about combating gender inequality, convene innovators and advocates to explore and develop new approaches and strategies, and work with legislators and business leaders on solutions.

You can find network lists, Partner statements, candidate questions, and more information at www.PowHerNY.org

Sample Statements from PowHer New York Partner:

 “Our future depends on your vote now. Each one of us has the power to protect our reproductive rights and health care by simply casting a ballot. Thanks to PowHer New York for helping to inform voters about the issues directly affecting the lives of our state’s women and girls,” said Robin Chappelle Golston, President and CEO, Empire State Acts

“Women’s voices are strong voices, and we need to be heard from more often. Unless we stand up for ourselves and make sure our concerns and issues become a priority, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. Equal pay for equal work. Gender equality. Health care. Day care. These are all topics that need to be brought to the forefront. Women need to head to the polls on every election day and make sure our votes are cast and count toward advancing a progressive agenda. We also need to get more women to run for office. In order to get power, we need to be in power,” said CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton.

“The American Association of University Women (AAUW)-NYS is excited to work with PowHer NY on the PowHer the Vote campaign,” said AAUW-NYS President Janice Brown. “The AAUW-NYS policy agenda includes pay equity, equity in public school funding, enforcement of Title IX, and access to healthcare. Each of these areas will be profoundly impacted by the outcome of this election cycle, and so we will prioritize educating our membership and local communities throughout the state on where candidates stand on these matters. PowHer the VOTE focuses on the issues that matter to women and families, and the materials they have created will be an essential tool in our communications planning and voter education activities this fall.”

“Our Democracy is at stake. Our reproductive health rights, child care, job opportunities, elimination of gender discrimination and every area of our lives are determined by who runs our government.  Now, more than ever, we need women’s voices to ensure equality, safety and opportunities for women and families. Make your voice heard. Get out and PowHer the Vote…!” said Francesca Burack, President, NFBPWC-NYC