Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Five Steps to Freedom, Step 1

Constitution of West Virginia
Article III
Section 3
Rights reserved to people.
Government is instituted for the common benefit, protection and security of the people, nation or community. Of all its various forms that is the best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community has an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.


EDUCATION


In order for us to become effective in our endevors we must educate the biker community as how to work within the legislative process. This process can be as simple as registering to vote or how to run for a political office and win. We have simplified the process into five steps. These are the basic guide lines on how to get involved and to what level you wish to proceed. By no means is this intended to be an detailed do's and don'ts document, just a basic how to get started and get yourself through it guide.


FIVE STEPS TO FREEDOM


Each trip begins with one step. The reason so many people fail to accomplish goals is they attempt to do everything at once. How about if you humor an old brother and try it this way one time. As I tell my bro's, don't look at the big picture, just do your part, one step at a time, and the whole will come together just fine. Try it.


STEP 1 REGISTER TO VOTE


Before you can have any input in the political process you must become a registered voter. Registering is easy and it is free. To qualify as a registered voter you must be, 18 years of age, a US citizen and a resident of the county in which you register. The West Virginia Election Code states, Section 3-1-3. No person who is under conviction of Treason, Felony, or Bribery at an Election shall be permitted to vote at such election while such disability continues. However, opinion #182 (1965) of the Attorney General states: As soon as the convicted person has served his full term of imprisonment, or has been pardoned, he is entitled to vote. Contact your voter registrar at your local courthouse or call the Secretary of State office for details at: 1-304-558-6000

You can pick up a voter registration card at any courthouse or post office in the state. Fill out all necessary information and drop into any mail box where mail is retrieved.(no postage necessary) You must be duly registered 30 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Upon receipt of your voter card you will need 4 pieces of information. Your precinct number (which will be on the card). Each county is divided into voting precincts. The location for voting in each precinct will be published in your local paper or can be found at the local courthouse prior to each election. Except in special cases the location will generally remain the same. It is not necessary to re-register as long as you vote at least once each two years or don't move. The other three bits of information may or may not be on your voter certificate. The State of West irginia is divided into 56 State Representative Districts,17 State Senatorial Districts and 3 US Congressional Districts. If this information is not on your voter certificate, it can be found at your courthouse.

Each state is also represented by 2 US Senators You must then learn the name, address and phone number(both local and capitol offices) of each of these people. They are the ones to contact when you have any questions or requests concerning political happenings. They are the ones you will vote for or against each two or four years as the case may be. These four elected officials are the ones who will vote on issues for you personally. It is also a good idea to get the same information for the County and Precinct Chair of each Party. You are now a registered voter. You have all the necessary names, addresses and phone numbers of those people you must deal with in order to be politically effective. Congratulations, You have completed step 1.

It has cost you very little time, no money and is probably one of the biggest decisions you have made during this lifetime. You are now in a position to truly have a say in the political future of your city, county, state and country. It is now imperative that you become familiar with the voting record of those 5 people who supposedly serve your needs at both the state and federal level.

Thus begins step 2!


Step 2
Back to
Front Page