Number: 2013-01
WHEREAS, the right to vote is an essential and undeniable cornerstone in establishing citizens’ fundamental rights worldwide to select and guide their nation’s political leaders in the electoral processes inherent in the political system called a democracy; and
WHEREAS, protecting citizens’ rights and opportunities to vote is a core value firmly imbedded in American’s lives as affirmed by five separate Amendments to our Constitution [15th Amendment (1870), 19th Amendment (1920), 23rd Amendment (1961), 24th Amendment (1964), and 26th Amendment (1971)]; and
WHEREAS, public opinion polls have consistently shown that U.S. citizens of all political and demographic persuasions overwhelmingly support conservation and actions that provide clean air, clean water, land and wildlife conservation; and
WHEREAS, conservation policy and practices are stronger and more effective when the American public is engaged and holds their elected and appointed officials accountable; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation encourages the public to participate in conservation public policy processes and legislation that develops and implements sound conservation policy that benefits wildlife and their environments; and
WHEREAS, America’s democratic process is a critical component in protecting the natural resources, wild places, wild flora and fauna, the intricately interlinked ecosystems, and the heritage of hunting, fishing and enjoyment of many other benefits of healthy and sustainably functioning natural environments; and
WHEREAS, the American people and Congress have an obligation to ensure that an effective balance between politically competing interests do not undermine individuals’, corporations’ and other’s abilities to maintain equitable participation and influence in the Nation’s electoral and legislative processes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 15, 2013, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, supports actions that encourage and ensure that the rights of all qualified U.S. citizens to vote in elections are unabridged and conform to the principles contained in and expressed by the Constitutional Amendments and pertinent election laws;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports efforts to make voting as accessible and easy as practicable to help all eligible Americans participate in the democratic process;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation continues to support the steps advocated in our 2001 campaign finance reform resolution, number 2001-6, and in building upon that resolution, supports the current efforts in many states as well as in Congress to increase disclosure and transparency of political donations;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls on Congress to re-evaluate and to take steps to correct, if necessary, the delicate but essential balance between citizens’, organizations’ and others’ legitimate rights to influence political and other legislative activities while, at the same time, maintaining an equitable, level playing field for all concerned.