Plan to Vote this November
(includes excerpts from the 10 October AIBS Public Policy Report)
The U.S. scientific community is taking great interest in the launch of Scientists and Engineers for America, a 527 advocacy organization started by a group of well-known scientists last month, "dedicated to electing public officials who respect evidence and understand the importance of using scientific and engineering advice in making public policy," according to the group's website, which includes a very active blog.
Interested parties should also note Matt Nisbet's recent talks, "Framing Science: Understanding the Battle Over Knowledge" (May 2006 at AIBS) and "Framing Science: Understanding the Battle Over Public Opinion in Policy Debates" (October 2006 at AAAS); the May AIBS talk is also online on YouTube.
Science promises to play a prominent role in this year's political campaigns. Important decisions about science policy, however, are not made exclusively at the federal level. State legislators play a critical role in allocating funding for state and local education activities ranging from pre-kindergarten programs to graduate education at state universities. They may also help determine how or whether science is used to inform local environmental public policy, and to craft state-supported programs aimed at fostering scientific R&D. In some locations, opponents of evolution education have sought to elect officials who support their anti evolution policy agenda.
In light of the importance of politics to science policy, scientists who are US citizens should remember to vote on Tuesday, 7 November. If you plan to be out of town on 7 November, you may vote by absentee ballot. Before voting, however, spend a little time researching the candidates. Local newspapers often outline candidates' positions on local issues, or local community groups (e.g. citizens for science education) will convene public meetings with candidates. Or simply contact the candidate’s campaign headquarters and ask for their candidate’s position on a given issue. You can find out more about candidates in your area from the League of Women Voters. If you have not yet registered to vote or if you have moved since the last election, you may obtain the information you need to register at www.govote.org. You should also be able to obtain the necessary information from your state’s Secretary of State and/or your local county Board of Elections.