This week AEM launched Equipped to Vote, a first-of-its-kind national get out the vote campaign. The campaign, which is set to run from Aug. 12 through the Nov. 3 general election, is designed to educate, engage, and mobilize the equipment manufacturing industry’s 2.8 million men and women around pro-manufacturing issues.
Equipped to Vote will focus on three critical policy areas: trade, infrastructure, and rural America. Each of these topics will have a month dedicated towards education and engagement, featuring original videos, quizzes, and other interactive tools. As participants continue to engage with the campaign, they are awarded points, which are added up towards weekly giveaways and a chance to win a grand prize.
“The outcome of the 2020 election will have a significant impact on equipment manufacturers, the manufacturing sector, and the U.S. economy for years to come,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior vice president of government and industry relations. “With equipment manufacturers responsible for one out of every eight manufacturing jobs in the United States, our industry has a duty to help our people make their voice heard and give them an opportunity to shape the outcome on Election Day. From infrastructure investment to free and fair trade, it is crucial that the 2.8 million men and women of our industry vote for candidates who will fight for pro-growth policies that allow the equipment manufacturing industry to prosper, grow the economy, and create family-sustaining jobs.”
The campaign’s digital action center on www.equippedtovote.org is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to get involved, including registering to vote, finding out who is running in their district and state, and taking action to help elect candidates who support the equipment manufacturing industry.
During the month of August, Equipped to Vote will focus on educating voters on the importance of free and fair trade. With roughly 30 percent of all equipment manufactured in the United States destined for export, free and fair trade policies and agreements are vital to the industry’s prosperity. Equipment manufacturers rely on mutually beneficial trade relationships with our neighbors near and far because open, two-way trade and investment mean more opportunity for the 2.8 million men and women of the industry.
“Exporting equipment around the world is crucial to creating American jobs, helping communities succeed, and keeping the United States ahead of global competitors,” said John Garrison, chairman of the board and president and CEO of Terex Corporation and 2020 chair of AEM’s Government and Public Affairs Committee. “Equipment manufacturers count on our elected officials to negotiate trade agreements that are fair and accountable, that create a level playing field, and that put American families and workers first.”
Not a part of the equipment manufacturing industry? No problem. We encourage everyone to join us in advocating for pro-growth, pro-jobs, and pro-worker policies that keep our industry strong and America exceptional. To learn more and join the campaign, visit www.equippedtovote.org.
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