Happy Independence Day

Independence Day is a time to celebrate and cherish the freedoms that citizens of the United States enjoy. Many Americans celebrate the nation’s birthday with fireworks, barbecues and other festivities, and we at Common Cause wish you a happy and safe holiday.

We also hope you will take a few moments this weekend to remember the troops overseas and think about the incredible sacrifices our men and women in uniform are making while serving our country.

It’s also the time of year to remember that as Election 2004 nears, Americans must choose the president who will lead the country for the next four years. Citizens have the power to affect change in government by voting, and that’s an awesome privilege. Yet only about half of eligible voters went to the polls in 2000, and voting rates have been on a steady decline for years.

John W. Gardner founded Common Cause in 1970 to promote citizen involvement in government, and the tradition stands today. Common Cause encourages everyone to register to vote, or remind a friend or family to register to vote.

Want to do more? Sign up for our Vote 2004 Task Force to monitor the polls on Election Day,

Voting is the bedrock of our democracy. We ask that you take the time to help ensure that the voices of the people are heard.

Happy Independence Day.

The Common Cause staff